Part of the work this module is the opportunity to explore different surfaces and strategies for presenting our photography in a variety of ways that will engage diverse audiences. We will be exploring three areas in detail, namely those of publication, exhibitions and workshop.

I began my studies last year and from the outset, my long-term goal for my project was to create a photobook as a means of producing a photographic artifact that would preserve my images, as well as preserving something of the rapidly changing urban landscape by capturing and documenting it at this moment in time.  

During this term I have done research on various options for creating photobooks, trade books and zines, both in printed and digital formats. What I have learned is that the choice of medium can be critical to how the photography is perceived and experienced by the viewer. Choices of paper, layout, book format and size, all impact on the visual experience and need to be considered carefully when planning a photobook.

I decided to compile a portfolio book to represent my current body of work and used the time while under Covid-19 restrictions that limited my ability to get outdoors and work on my project. I was pleased with the result and the overall quality of the book, and also learned something about layout and different paper choices.

A number of my peers participated in the Falmouth Landings Exhibition 2020 and also presented workshops or interviews. I followed their work but did not participate myself for a number of reasons, primarily due to increased pressure and workload that has been ongoing since the pandemic began and the impact of this on my available time and my health. It has been very difficult trying to keep my project on the go under the circumstances and with lockdown restrictions having impacted on my ability to take my project in the direction I had originally planned.

It has been disappointing and I have floundered somewhat, struggling to find creative direction and to engage with the coursework. Things are very uncertain and I will have to make decisions about how to proceed with the Final Major Project as I am unsure whether I can continue with my original project idea or if I will need to make a tactical decision based on the circumstances in the next few months.