Supervisor Meeting 18 (20 October 2021)

My meeting with my first supervisor had three agenda items:

1. The pros and cons of a medium-format camera
2. The images from Period 6 of photographic practice
3. Plans for period until my next supervision meeting on 17 November

We had discussed some of the pros and cons of moving to a medium-format camera on e-mail but it was good to talk it through, although no conclusions were reached.  My reasons for considering the use of a medium-format camera were the potential size of printed images, and the increased luminosity and depth I might achieve, especially in multiple exposure images.  I remain unsure, not least because I am not convinced that any of these potential strengths will surpass the images I currently produce on my Nikon Z7.

I had produced a large number of images since our last meeting and written a daily blog about the conditions, technical choices and results achieved.  My supervisor chose to discuss the images from Days 1, 4, 7 and 10.

Day 1 – while as single images they might be successful, my supervisor suggested that a panel of images, featuring the single lily leaf might, might be successful.

Day 4 – the Alice in Wonderland day of super-saturated images featuring reflections of objects rather than a clear and full rendition of the object itself, had an impact on my supervisor, but she felt some were too busy and over-powering.  These comments chime with my own thoughts.

But, others such as the following worked because of the darkness in between the real object and its reflection.

Day 7 - My supervisor also felt that some of the study of a tree images, taken in appalling weather, were worthy of merit including those where the multiple exposure produced a mystical effect in the mountains beyond.

She suggested that further studies of the tree in different weather conditions, light and seasons would produce an interesting body of images.

Day 10 - And finally, she commended the work done on the final day of Practice 6.  Comments appear in the caption line:

I outlined my plans for the period until my next supervision meeting, that will be held face to face for the first time in mid-November.  Lots of reading, consideration of upgrade comments about possibilising and essentialising and development of my philosophical position moving forward.  I plan to write a response to these comments.