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Originally Posted by akyiia
Unfortunately it is mostly Contemporary and Creative photography; the way it works is that our tutor gives us some topic and we have to produce series of images. I, for example likes to create photographs based on and my own experience and momentary feelings; so in a way I think it is art/creative photography. Just to show what we have to do: our very first project was called 'city spaces' and this was divided into 3 parts. 1 - interaction, 2 - transformation, 3 - inhabitation. The main point was to do research and then get ourselves to the city and produce some work. BTW, the interaction was real pain because we actually had to interact with strangers in streets (and take their photo) and it was really hard because most of them just told us to be fruitful and multiply (not in those words) So in a way our school give us a great freedom and it is up to us but on the other hand it is very hard to pass any judgment on other people work because we basically are not connected to their work.
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OK, you are in the creative arena and you need to show originality in the interpretation of the project / subject your tutor has asked you to do. Also as been said previously you need to be able to convince others, or at least have a good go at attempting to do this, why exactly you made the images in the way you have. Being positive and enthusiastic in the way you tackle this will help.
I remember when I was once out with a friend on mine who is a contemporary photographer and he spent the whole day making images from sections of many different drain hole covers. After a while I asked him to explain his project to me. He started with an explanation of what contemporary work was all about (done probably because he thought I hadn't a clue) then went on to tell me about his project on drain hole covers with a lot of belief and enthusiasm. He convinced me it was a good idea and I could then see why he was doing this. I often feel - especially with contemporary work an explanation is needed to help people understand. We have several good contemporary workers on FADU and I am sure in time you will get some useful response from them.
With creative work ( the word says it!) try to be as original as possible. Even if the subject is a well-hacked look for a different view-point, shoot it at night or try an alternative process or technique. Your tutor is trying to push you which is good so it is up to you to step up to challenge, put on your thinking cap, drum up your enthusiasm and give it a go!
Just a bit of advice I can give when photographing people in the street. You have to be polite and confident when you approach them, show them your student card (or some other ID) and explain why you want to photograph them. If they say 'no' don't get upset just respect their wishes and move on. Extrovert characters quite often are the easiest to get as they want to show off their, dress , body piercings, mad hair style or whatever they are extrovert about. Also consider having some photos with you to show what you can do and consider even offering to give them a set of photos if they agree to be photographed.
Neil.
Neil.