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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