The Book

Flann O'Brien's first novel is a brilliant impressionistic jumble of ideas, mythology and nonsense. Operating on many levels it incorporates plots within plots, giving full rein to O'Brien's dancing intellect and Celtic wit. The undergraduate narrator lives with his uncle in Dublin, drinks too much with his friends and invents stories peopled with hilarious and unlikely characters. O'Brien's blend of farce, satire and fantasy results in a remarkable, astonishingly innovative book.

‘At Swim-Two-Birds' has remained in my mind ever since it first appeared as one of the best books of our century. A book in a thousand ... in the line of Ulysses and Tristram Shandy’ - Graham Greene‘At Swim-Two-Birds' is both a comedy and a fantasy of such staggering originality that it baffles description and very nearly beggars our sense of delight’ - Chicago Tribune

(From fujifilmstudentawards.co.uk)

Initial reaction

The first reaction was; ‘oh no, not another book cover’, but needs must and it has to be done.

As with ‘Silent Springs’ the best starting point was to read and re-read all the information given, and to then scour the internet and other sources for more info on the publication. The plan was to read available summaries, take notes and then develop ideas of where to go from there.

Assignment Breif: Fujifilm competition

Penguin Books are looking for a new image to feature on the cover of At Swin Two-Birds. Your brief is to take a photograph that captures the spirit of the novel which, in the words of Anthony Burgess, ‘assaults your brain with words, style, magic, madness and unlimited invention’.

The image must be shot in Fujifilm Professional or Consumer film and must fit the new Modern Classics jacket layout.

Evaluation

All the research was about looking at those without money, which is probably the best wys to describe personal upbringing, making the best of what is there and going without what cannot be afforded.

This was going to be reflected in the images taken for this assignment. However through consideration it was decided not to follow this path and to just get one strong image of the interaction of both Brian and Alison. Although not having much did in some minor way affect upbringing, they both scarificed a lot and did all they can to raise their four children. And they did a good job.

Personal desires when it comes to photography is documenting people in need and gaining peoples attention in order to try to mobilise help for them. This could be applied, but it was decided that it would be unfair and unreasonable to do so.

All the planning and research was done within three days and the test shots were done soon after. The final image was taken after careful thought of how to show what little interaction there is between both parents.

The motivation to turn the assignment out quickly and effectively showed that it is possible to work quickly and produce quality research, continual development and a desirable final image.

There is time and opportunity to further develop the ideas, so if the chance arises and the ideas are developed, this will be added to.

Final images

(i) The TV does indeed control the household, everything stops when there is something on worth watching. There is no interaction unless necessary, unless something is needed or something needs to be said. In many ways it does reflect most households, where people are too used to watching the box that making their own entertainment through interacting with ones own family. The framing of the composition using the edited window frame works very well and the busyness of the image, through the reflections evident, adds to its appeal.





(ii) This is a rare insight into the lighter side of family life. A rare smile shared between parents. Normally life tends to be a bit of a resented struggle, with few reasons to be joyful. The viewpoint from which the image was taken suggests stepping back; looking more from the outside in. The two figures are framed by the door and the doorway becomes the focus because of the lines of the shadows and skirting boards. Not only does it show something about their relationship it shows enough of the house to gain an insight into living conditions.

Editing the images

The editing of the images was very straiht forward, very little could be done when it came to adjustments because of the low light levels used when shooting. When the slightest alteration was attempted on levels or contrast for example, there was a huge difference in how the image changed.

Both of the two final images were cropped and any imperfections were cloned out. For the kitchen composition it was burnt in a lot on the left side to shift the attention from the shelf and mirror onto the figures, it was then given a texture filter as if painted on canvas, to diguse the graininess of the image. The composition of watching TV was edited so that there was a fourth side to the window frame, rather than just the original three. A few reflections were cloned out but most were left in.

Results of shoots

The two shoots took abot half an hour each, because of all the planning and experimentation, it was just about staging or waiting for the right situation.

The tv shoot was simple, the idea behind it was to portray how ‘lost’ people do get when they are engorse in their viewing, all conversation and interaction seems to stop, as if there is no one else in the room.

The shoot in the kitchen was designed to look at my parents relationship, it is very rare that they do spend time with each other, there is always something to be done. Most of the interaction comes in passing, grabbing moments when the body is occupied but when the mind is free.

There were four images that stood out, they are all unedited:



(i) It is a srong image that suggests that he is being looked over, like he has to be kept an eye on to make sure he does the washing up right. She appears to be talking to his back while he is getting on with the washing up. Eventhough the compoositon appears warm and wlcoming through the colours on display, the body language of the figures appears cold and distant.




(ii) In this one Brian is looking round and smiling, suggexting that something amusing has bee revealed or a joke has been shared. The body language is no longer as cold as there is the interaction that was missing from the first composition, combine this with the warming colours, it seems a welcome, inviting set of cirumstances.




(iii) Watching the TV. Both stes of eyes are fixed on the box. There is no interaction whatsoever between the pair of them. They are both engrosed in whatever it is they are watching. With them sitting on separate piece of furniture is aso implies distance between them, not only in the physical, where they are sitting, sense. The relections in the window, of the car, lamposts and other houses do distract but it they are liked.

(iv) The same set up as before but this time the timer on the camera was used, and a few self-portraits with family were taken. Standing directly infront of the TV rather than at the peripheries meant being fully rather than partially lit. It looks odd, as if imposed over the last image reviewed. It is intreguing, but it was more a bit of fun. This idea cold be explored further, looking towards being ‘alone around family’.

The shoots

(i) Watching TV: The camera was set up outside on the front lawn on a ripod, at approximately 9pm. The composition was framed using the middle window frame. The figures were asked to sit and watch tv in their ‘usual’ chairs. The images were taken without any guidance of where to look or what to do, they were as natural as possible.

(ii) Looking into the kitchen: Inspired by the test shots the idea was to completely stage this shoot. Father Brian was asked to stand by the sink as if finishing the washing up, with mother Alison standing leaning, with the back against the door frame, as if chatting to Brian. The idea was to create a sillhotte, and to place Brian as the focus of the images.

Test shots

There have been over 130 test shot taken covering everything involved in the ‘refined ideas’ section. The images do portray a section of family life; however they are just too ordinary and hold little interest. There are a few images that do stand out.

In no particular order:




(i) Mother Alison watching tv surrounded by dogs, a typical evening meal. The food is cooked, tables are put up, tv is turned on then the food is eaten. Not the most exciting image, but the reflections on the windows are interesting, it portrays the family car.




(ii) Nephew Callum watching the tv being closely watch by Tia. As soon as any food is dropped or isn’t being guarded, then it goes. Although she is well trained she does sometime forget herself, she is continuously reminded.




(iii) The examination of three generations of the family; mother, daughter and granddaughter. It is the first time they have got together for a while, so are keen to share stories and exchange items that have been brought.




(iv) Created using the timer on the camera. A self-portrait with family. Done for fun but creates interest. The only figure that it aware that their behaviour is being monitored and recorded. May well be further explored.

(v) The favourite of all taken. Father Brian doing the washing up in the kitchen after Mother has cooked. Lonely feel to the composition, almost as if segregated form rest of family who are watching the tv.

The ideas that will be followed and re-shot are those focusing on watching tv (shot from both inside and through a window, possibly as a self-portrait) and household activities (cooking and washing up).

Refined Ideas

The ideas being considered are as follows:

Family gathering: documenting an up coming birthday party.
Everyday activities; shoot family member doing cooking, washing up, watching tv.
Shooting through a window or door way

There will be a lot of experimentation as it is not sure just what will work. Images will be taken with subject both aware and unaware, also some will be staged and others won’t.

Consideration

It is very hard when considering how to portray ones own family. No one wants any hurt feelings. But then there are always things that people wish to question or change. It is easy to imagine a good set of images with a clear narrative behind it, but would it be fair to shoot or present it, without full consideration of the consequences. There are a number of ideas held that wont be discussed about emotions and resentments held.

Reaction to the research

The images show the huge differences between families with and families without money. The main focus is on those without and what their everyday life entails; whether this is fighting to survive, fighting with each other, or fighting to enjoy everything that provides pleasure.

The details in the images, although often very subtle, narrate each image. It is possible to gain more information from them than is there, mainly through or own knowledge of similar situations or from stories we have heard. Often our own views and stereotypes add depth that may not be there, but we think is universal in similar situations.

The surprise that arose was just how much emotion can be seen and is felt when viewing certain images. This ranges from empathy for the subjects, pity for there situation, anger that it is or has happened and a desire to help.

This has encouraged a rethink of what and how to present life through the images to be taken. What should be portrayed, should they be staged, should they reflect a positive or negative aspect of life, there are so many points to be considered.

Further research: Shizuka Yokomizo - Stranger

This is nothing to do with family, quite the opposite, but there are those who feel like a stranger in their own family. Those who don't fit and who feel they don't belong.

In the Stranger series, each photograph shows someone looking out through a window. The artist has never met any of these people. She selected their addresses and then wrote an anonymous letter asking if the recipient would stand at a particular window, alone, with the room lights on, at a specific time of night so that she could photograph them from the street. It focus’s on the gap between ‘self and other’. (From sitegallery.org)

This series has always been an intrigue; the images have always held attention, more for their seeming pointlessness rather than anything else. But when recently viewed closely as a group it is apparent that their draw lies in the individuality of the compositions when seen together.

(i) This gentleman clearly has money, yet he presents himself for the photographer only partly dressed, on the phone and with his hand behind his back. He is very, almost too relaxed, in his own home, knowing what is happening.




(ii) She is in very simple surroundings, quite plain and sparse. She is well dressed, neat and well kept. She stands very straight and stares out of the window away from the photographer. Quietly confident.




(iii) He seems very relaxed; his house is designed for him, his comfort and relaxation. It looks an inviting place. He comes across as a friendly person who knows more than most. He seems very content with who he is.

(iv) This is a very rigid, forced posture, very unnatural. It is a very busy room in which he is photographed, yet it is very clean. The only things that aren’t black or white are the plan and his colouring. He almost seems unable to be natural.

It is a very odd series, but does indeed question the self and its relationship to others. Society as a whole is extremely segregated; people can live next to others for years and no little or nothing about them. It gets you questioning what our priorities are and if they need to be changed.

Research: Mary Ellen Mark – American Odyssey

Born in 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a collection of black and white photographs taken between 1963 and 1999, touching on issues of poverty, discrimination, and life in America. Her subjects are mostly people of the economic and social underclass’s as they pursue their hopes and dreams, while dealing with their day-to-day problems. (From barnesandnoble.com)






(i) The family are gathered on the bed in one room, it is clearly a family in need. The state of the surrounding cries out ‘help me’. The clutter on top of the cabinet combined with the broken down nature of the cabinet itself, shows just how little they have, this may be their entire living space, their lives played out within this room. The focus of the image is the young girl looking up, the despair on her face it very clear to see, the sense of wanting to help them that this image instils in immense.





(ii) This is their home for the time being. The mother looks near death, is it a life worth living? The children are scared and lost, what future do they have to look forward to? The father is cradling there mother, he gives a look of ambivalence, almost as if angry with life and with himself for not being able to do more for his family. This is personally one of the poignant images ever seen, it develops such emotional.






(iii) The boy looks as if he is crawling out of his hiding place in a junk yard; however it is his pet that sits just behind him. This car has been his home, look at the state of it, bits of debris everywhere, it’s a horrible thought. The dog may eat as well has he does. He could be a child from a third world country, out on the streets by himself relying on what bit of food he can scavenge to survive, yet this is America no more than 20 years ago.





(iv) Back in accommodation, the boy and the father share a touching moment. Their eyes meet and they both smile, the bonds that exists given the circumstances is as strong as between any father and son. It is probably the strength they hold that kept them going and it will serve them well if things do not improve. They now have a carpet, a comfy bed and possession; nothing overly special, but they must mean the world to this family.




(v) The boy is stood against the wall, he looks upset. He must have just been disciplined and sent to stand up against the wall to think. The children are still being kept in line, they are not being left to run wild. Again it is clearly only one-room accommodation, now with tv, it must feel like a palace.

This is a very strong set of images about this one family. Photographed a number of times over about 10 years, it shows the emotional plight of one family and their struggle to survive. It really does show that even in the richest of countries, there are still those who barely have enough to live!

Research: Larry Fink – Social graces

Born in Brooklyn in 1941 and studied in NY in the 1960s. Produced in the 1970's, the series provides intimate glimpses of real people and their all-too-fallibly-human lives. But there was a greater purpose in mind; he wanted to explore social class. The series compares two radically different worlds: that of wealthy Manhattans and that of rural, working-class Pennsylvanians. (From nytimes.com)






(i) Peering around a curtain at a birthday party. This is the sort of composition where you want to know what the figure is seeing. Anything could be going on and that is the beauty of it; the air of mystery. The hand is the centre of focus, holding the drape out of the way as he moves through. It really does say very little about the family and surroundings in which they live, but it does grab attention and stimulate imagination.





(ii) This is a very busy composition, with arms and bodies everywhere. This woman is trying to bring out a birthday cake without it being knocked from her and hand ruined. It is clear from the clothes and the quality of the building seen that this is a poor family, trying to the best out of what they have, determined to put on a good party and make sure everyone has fun. It is a snapshot, one moment of many that we all associate with birthdays, the serious preparation behind the frivolities.

(iv) This image is of two young women clearly of higher class. This is clear from the clothes; they are better quality, perfectly clean and the women themselves are perfectly presented, both with alcohol in hand. They share a pleasure that so many have enjoyed, trying to blow the biggest bubblegum bubble. It never ceases to amaze some.

(iv) This image is of two young women clearly of higher class. This is clear from the clothes; they are better quality, perfectly clean and the women themselves are perfectly presented, both with alcohol in hand. They share a pleasure that so many have enjoyed, trying to blow the biggest bubblegum bubble. It never ceases to amaze some.




(v) The delight on this young woman’s face is evident; she is out at a gathering with someone whose company she very much enjoys. The body language shows a clear attraction; the closeness and the placing of their arms. Everyone in the background is getting on with enjoying themselves without a care.

The images collated show a huge distinction between those with and those without. The types of events or gatherings that provide enjoyment do differ, manly to do with upbringing and money available. People without money make the most of parties as they are rare occasions for enjoyment. People with money often have contrasting views on what makes them happy, usually involving spending a lot of money, and being away from their home, somewhere different, somewhere exciting.

Research: Richard Billingham – We are family

Richard Billingham was born in Birmingham in 1970. He began taking photographs while studying fine arts at Sunderland University. The subjects are his father ray, his obese and tattooed mother Liz, and his unruly younger brother Jason. He documents their squalid surroundings and violent relations to each other with unflinching honesty. (From designboom.com)




(i) Look at the separation between the couple; they could not be further from each other even if they tried. They both look as if they are in their own worlds and wish to stay segregated from the other. Liz is focused on the tv and Ray appears to be in a world of his own.





(ii) This is a very threatening posture displayed by Liz, it is clear that this is a very destructive relationship. Ray is looking away, ignoring the threat that is present. Does he care or is he just hoping that the display of anger will soon pass.





(iii) The dogs looks like he is in trouble. Ears down, head lowered and eyes slightly raised. With the knowledge that Ray is an alcoholic, could only be a minor thing that the animal has done wrong. Either way it is an intense situation, it is clear to imagine what is going to happen next.






(iv) The making of a cup of tea. It is clear that there is something besides hate and resentment in their relationship. This is the first of the images seen to far where the eyes do not solely focus on the figures. The attention is on the state of the house itself, it’s rundown, patchy, tatty nature.





(v) Probably a rare moment of affection being displayed here. The battle pauses for a brief moment of piece. From the other compositions is must be a horrible household to live in, but there is something. It does however beg the question of what is holding the household together. It is clear that it is not love, is it the fear of not being together.


From looking at the images as a set it is obviously an unhealthy working class environment; where children (and the adults themselves) are going to suffer. The images not only portray the problems within the relationship, but also the state of the surroundings in which they live.

Initial Ideas

Family gatherings: Birthday parties, weddings, family meals, family barbeque.
Holidays and days out: Family holidays, day trips, picnics.
Everyday excursions: Trip to the shops, weekly shop, school run, children’s play area.
Everyday occurrences: Washing up, watching tv, cleaning, washing up, eating.

All the proposed ideas are simple enough, but how is it best to produce them? Should they be staged, or should they be taken unawares? Could they be done either through a window or from another room? Taken during the day or at night?

Research into existing bodies of work may well provide ideas and answers on what has already been done, how it was achieved, why it came about and what the work says about the subjects.

Definitions

The three words that really stand out from the list are as follows. The three are highly related, so it seems important to consider all three.

Voyeurism: The practice of being a voyeur: One who views or inspects.

Revealing: To lay open to view; display; exhibit.

Privacy: The state of being free from intrusion or disturbance in one's private life or affairs.

From these three definitions it is clear that all three can be conjoined using one image. To view, present and reveal unknown information of ones family would cover everything. The question rises as to how to do it and what to display about that family group.

Initial reaction

When this brief was revealed the initial thoughts that sprang to mind where that of the iconic images of Richard Billingham and his emotional portrayal of his own family. The series entitled; ‘we are family’ are explosively powerful.
The brief asks for an exploration of immediate family, this is an interesting topic as it could include or even lead to a lot if introspection of what in many cases of people I know is taken for granted; their family. The good and the bad, what is known and also what is hidden.

Assignment Brief: Family

This assignment requires you to investigate the world of your family members. You must respond to one of these words;

Intrude, Age, Revealing, Voyeurism, Child, Privacy, Social, Class, Culture.

You will choose one of these words to help inspire you and direct you image making. You will be required to produce one A3 sized photograph from a digital image on screen and printed for your portfolio.