One of the first tasks on this course was to take a picture from a window and share this in a discussion forum with our peers as a way of introduction.  We were asked to think about what this image might say about us in terms of our situations, our photography or our interests in general. On the surface this sounds like a simple task but I found it actually opened up a lot of ideas, thoughts, and questions about the nature of windows themselves, but also the relationship to photography as a ‘window on the world’. 

Are windows a way to see out of something or into something? Are they a way that we frame something?  Do they limit the boundaries of what we see or do they expand them?  Are they mechanisms to be open or closed, creating barriers or openings?  How does this link up to photography?  I realised that all of these questions relate to our perceptions of ourselves and the world we live in and that the answers will depend on our perspectives, both conscious and unconscious, at a particular point in time. 

The changeable nature of these perspectives is also a factor and is influenced by the way we view ourselves in relation to the world, the context in which we are situated at any given time, our sense of personal boundaries, including what we choose to share with the world and that which we choose to hide.  The analogy of the window was very effective in highlighting the way in which photography reflects not only the subject but also the photographer. 

The question was raised whether photography is a window to the outer world and environment, or a mirror to the inner world of the photographer.  Looking at my own picture and those posted by my peers, I definitely came to the conclusion that photography is both window and mirror simultaneously in a dynamic shifting of balance between the two depending on the perspective and context at that time. 

It was a great discussion point and very insightful in what it revealed about us all.  In my own photograph, I had made a conscious decision to lean out of the window and photograph to a particular side.  I did this because it was my preferred view, however, what was revealed in the discussion was that I was unconsciously choosing that view because the colours, tones and textures of the buildings reminded me of my home country.  One of my favourite comments from a peer was by Andre: “I love your perspective, or should I say introspective.”  I think that really sums up what this exercise revealed to me about myself, my peers and how this relates to our photographic practice.

Lastly, this exercise has led me to looking at windows very differently and seeing the opportunities that they create for photography.  I am looking now at what windows communicate about the buildings themselves and also the inhabitants of these environments.  I am considering how windows communicate their actual purpose and context, as well as their relationship with the outer world and the inner inhabitants of these spaces.  Simultaneously, I am now aware of these aspects in relation to my own photography and the way it acts as both window and mirror.