Association of Photographers - Project Brief Analysis

Researching the past
winners of the AOP Student Awards (2022) proved informative in clarifying what this
project brief is seeking from its contestants – a fundamental insight which
will aid the creative development of this project. Despite the set categories (places, people, and things), there is a diverse range of concept,
subject, and style of the 2022 Student Award winners.

Observations & notes:

 

Figure 1). The 'people' winners (click to enhance image size) 



The gold and silver
winners of the ‘people’ category both presented projects which focus on race, especially
in regards to identity and discrimination (see Fig. 1). This suggests the AOP
judges appreciate portraiture combined with highly contemporary subjects, especially
the sort which promotes further discussion and/or raises questions.



Key areas of
interest appear to history and culture, how arresting or captivating the work
is, and whether there is a deeper reflection beyond the work presented. This
seems particularly important for Judge Charlie Clift. 


  
   
Figure 2). The 'place' winners (click to enhance image size) 

The gold and silver
winners of the ‘places’ category see a shift in areas of interest as a
consistent narrative between the images are praised for the story of which they
communicate. There is a clear admiration for the continuation of photographs. Personal
expression and the creativity in which it has been approached are also key
elements, as evident by the comments of Judge Sarah Hogan (see Fig. 2)


    

Figure 3). The 'things' winners (click to enhance image size) 



There are similar areas
of focus evident in the winners of the ‘things’ category. Semi-abstract conceptual
work with complex compositions with a clear aim to evoke an emotional response
from its viewers dominate the work of both the gold and silver winners of this
category (see Fig. 3)This category also sees the transition of a traditional narrative being
less important as a striking appearance seems preferred.


Relative to my
project:



-       
Consistency
of style is the common denominator among all the winner’s projects, a recurring
trend which goes beyond the 2022 winners. This notion stresses the importance of
keeping continuity of my work. Since the places of my work will change, there
is a chance of losing the narrative as the images risk becoming too different
from another.  



-       
The
personal expression aspect needs to be self-sustainable and equally effective independent
of the accompanied literature. The poetry may aid the specific interpretation
of each image/memory, but it should not act as the clarifying factor to concept
of this project.



-       
Originality,
creativity and attempts at pushing boundaries are common themes amongst the
winners – these factors are now personal aims.

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