Reflection on Place and People

I have enjoyed this  third OCA photography course. What drew me to 'People and Place' was the opportunity to explore people and places, space, buildings and activity from the photographer's perspective. And I was certainly not disappointed.  

I feel that I have learnt more about myself as a photographer. Over the course, I've had to challenge my wariness of photographing people that I did not know whether in the street or more formally such as for my last assignment. This wariness came from a concern that my technical skills would not deliver but also from a previous aggressive response to taking street images locally.

Initial research into how others tackled street photography and practice, looking at the work and watching videos of famous street photographers talk about their practice  has moved me on here and I feel more in control and comfortable. I've been able to practise creating a rapport with subjects with positive results and this has increased my confidence. 

Research has played a really strong, valuable  part in my work both in carrying out exercises but also in thinking about, planning and carrying out assignments. And it will continue to do so being both invaluable to developing my ideas and 'voice' and extremely enjoyable (whether in book form, online or out and about looking at exhibitions).
I also feel that I am getting better at working to deadlines and in selecting and editing images and interestingly have found myself taking far more notes as I read, research or view the work of others than on previous courses.

So I think it fair to say that this course has taught me a great deal. It has opened my eyes as to how approach a project to deliver a 'story'  within the discipline of a set timescale and  how to approach the people within the project.I have been able to use my interpersonal skills, build  on and develop technical skills and develop more confidence in tackling subjects featuring people in a variety of places and activities. And it has whetted my appetite for more!