Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre
Each new subject I approach will lead me to find and research other photographers and normally relevant to the subject. Whilst carrying out the exercise exploring function I was opened up to quite a few photographers of which three really (and finally) opened my mind up to new concepts within photography that I hadn’t explored before. I realised the importance of narrative and concept when working on projects and it’s simply not enough to take good and pleasing photographs, we need a good story too.
To carry out the previous exercise, exploring function, I decided to head to my local Gallery where an exhibition was taking place ‘Landscape with Machines’ as part of the ‘shifting worlds contemporary arts programme’ a collaboration between Ironbridge Gorge Trust and Meadow Arts in Shropshire.
The first photograph to blow me away was by photographers Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre, entitled Locker Room, taken in Germany.
In the context of the subject I stood and looked at this photograph thinking wow, what a great use of space. Does this epitomise exploring function? Then I thought, what is this room used for? It looks like some kind of weird avery with bird cages everywhere. I then read the description, it’s a locker room! Not one that I’ve ever seen. Miners used the benches to change their clothes then use the cages to store their belongings and hoist them away. It’s a great photograph and a great story but doesn’t tell the viewer the purpose of the room. Maybe as it’s abandoned the translation has been lost. If this space was occupied it would tell more of a story it terms of function.
Martin Parr
To my absolute joy I found a photograph displayed by Martin Parr. I had read an article about Parr and the commissions he’s undertaken to document certain areas of the UK amongst other projects. The one I’m particularly interested in is his commission to photograph aspects of life in the Black Country and here in all it’s glory is a very strong poignant image of chain makers in Cradley Heath.
Its a striking image and correctly portrays workers in the black country. I even love how awkward the two men seem to be standing but even this is relevant as you wouldn’t find a chain maker in a factory posing with his hands on his hips, that would be completely out of context. It appears to be dirty work but the white background makes the workers stand out. You can feel the dark gloomy air of the space but what has been included in this photograph is the very strong bold colours bringing life to the image. I myself am black country born and bred (thats how we talk ‘am’) and this image fills me with pride to have been amongst the industry and known people who work their fingers to the bone to provide for their families. Maybe it’s the union jack conjuring up feelings of patriotism but for me, this photograph says it all.
I then read this article on the telegraph’s website:
To hear such a renowned photographer as Martin Parr say that during his rhubarb triangle project he took three or four thousand photos and ended up with 40 gives inspiration to photographers of all abilities. My own process is think of a project, research and photograph it but somehow I’ve always thought I can’t be much good if most of my photos are binned. This article has taught me that your process is your own and theres no right or wrong way. As long as you achieve what you set out to then the method is irrelevant to others. Parr also said “You are after iconic moments, but they are very difficult to produce. Most of the pictures I take are not very good”. I now know that it’s a myth to reach a level where every photo you take is great but the skill is in knowing which ones are great and which ones aren’t.
A final quote from Parr himself, “My job is to record things with integrity, and I can always do that,” he says. “Whether I take a ‘great’ photo is down to luck.”
Theres hope for us yet!
Sam Bennett 