Introduction

My ideas developed and changed all throughout my project, constantly evolving with the current circumstance. They developed through my research and reflection - especially with key milestones, such as the Project Proposal, Research Essay, and Pitch Presentation.

At the beginning of the project, I found it difficult to pinpoint what I could do that would be expansive enough or suited to an FMP. Writing my proposal allowed me to research into various ideas and cement them by considering the possible concepts through the lens of the entire project, end to end.

I knew that I wanted my project to be in the genre of street photography, but it needed a core element that would drive the narrative and give the project deeper context - sonder provided this. Sonder is a concept I was previously aware of that came to mind when approaching the proposal structure, as I believed it to contain multitudes and the ability to apply in-depth research.

On reflection, the theme of sonder was highly integral to directing the focus of my project, and it was a strong guidance in my visual language. I feel I have conveyed my chosen theme effectively to the target audience because I have demonstrated a confident understanding of my concept and in what ways it can impact the viewer. 

The primary research I used to influence the development of my project was my survey on sonder and the gallery exhibition visits I conducted. This vital first-hand research impacted my choices and the direction of my project through the understanding I gained.

I decided to host a survey because I wanted other peoples' interpretation of sonder and their input on the ethical concerns of my project. I believe this survey was successful in informing the research of my project by providing me with external opinions and perspectives on how I can develop my work moving forward.

After this, I chose to visit two galleries for inspiration on my photography and how exhibitions are displayed to aid me in the Summer Show.

Furthermore, my recce practice shoots greatly informed the direction of my practical work by allowing me to obtain insight into the locations, how I would eventually shoot them, and develop technical skills through this experimentation.

The ideas and inspirations for my project were continuously developed through my secondary research, specifically my exploration of different photographers who capture street scenes, and the sonder concept. This research into a diverse range of photographers gave me key inspiration for the visuals and technicals of my project. An example of this is Henri Cartier-Bresson; his work has inspired me to consider my shooting philosophy of when the decisive moment is and how I can capture that effectively. 

To effectively plan my project, I used a time plan all throughout my project that I updated frequently. I also used Google Calendar to monitor when my: deadlines were due, blocked out tasks were, shoot trips, etc. This was especially relevant in helping me schedule when my book needed to be completed and sent off to be printed, as I had no control over the speed of the process and needed ample buffer time.

At the start of the project, I booked a camera and lens from the Equipment Resource Center - however, after researching and investing in my own equipment, I was able to act independently.

During the course of the FMP, I successfully met all deadlines; this was caused by direct development in my time management and balance of my workload. This year, achieving deadlines on time was a main goal for me, as I have struggled with it in the past. I also participated in the crits and peer evaluation sessions on time.

When planning my shoots, the health and safety requirements I considered were going with somebody else in new cities, being vigilant of my equipment, and self-awareness of what is happening around me. Before conducting most of the practical work and leaving for Berlin, I got camera equipment insurance to ensure the safety of my valuables.

In my Final Major Project, I optimised my planning to prevent any serious problems from arising. This proved to be effective in allowing for time to fix unforeseen issues; however, I still had to troubleshoot throughout my project. Additionally, my in-depth research into the various parts of my project reduced the frequency and possibility of difficulties.

An example of this is that I developed time-saving techniques during post-processing by creating presets that would aid my editing workflow.

I have reflected on my mistakes and unsuccessful ventures in my shoot evaluations, denoting when things could have gone better and what I could have done in retrospect. When creating my photo book, I sought out feedback on the drafts and covers to improve the layout and visual appeal. I then reflected on this feedback and implemented the suggestions I thought worked in the final rendition of my book. 

As my project became a more conceptual body of work, I chose to reshoot in several locations to answer quality and quantity concerns. This proved to be highly beneficial, as I believe these were my most successful shoots, due to the prior knowledge and familiarity gained. 

The main new techniques I learnt and experimented were a variety of street photography approaches, such as fishing. Fishing, in photography terminology, refers to finding a scene or background that you wish to capture, and then waiting for the right subject to enter the frame. This was a technique I had not utilised before that I found to be extremely successful, as I always achieved at least one outcome I was pleased with. I believe this is because it slows down my process by only focusing and perfecting the exact composition I want.

I also developed and adapted previously learnt skills, such as the formal elements and manual camera settings. With this practical skill experimentation, I pushed myself to improve my compositions and create more professional, cohesive work. I conducted many shoots, where I was often alone, which helped me build confidence whilst photographing in public. My editing process was adjusted to this project by experimenting with many filter effects and learning how to streamline my post-production.

Additionally, I pushed myself to use a point and shoot film camera, as a way to improve shooting the film medium in the simplest manner. This productive experimentation has given me the confidence to use a proper SLR camera next time.

During the FMP, I evaluated and reflected on my own work at various stages of the project, including shoots, crits, peer review, and tutor feedback. After receiving critical feedback, I considered their ideas and implemented them as best as I could.

I found it difficult to consistently evidence my evaluation, as I prioritised moving forward in the project instead of writing down my reflection. However, I did reflect after every feedback session, which is transparent when looking at the progression of my work. I will work on documenting my reflection as it happens in my future university education.  

Reflecting back on my final proposal, I believe that my final images and outcome communicate my concept of sonder very well. For my photo book, I think the added context at the start will encourage the viewer to interpret sonder in my images, though my work is open to interpretive understanding. To me, my exhibited and curated final images convey sonder through emotional storytelling, narrative, and isolating compositions. 

I have professionally presented all aspects of my work, carefully considering how my photo book, prints, workbook, and writing is formatted. For correct spelling and grammar, I used an extension tool to check over my writing automatically - I find this to be helpful and accurate for all of my work.

My final outcome is a printed, physical book because I value having tangible evidence of my hard work and efforts. Presenting my Final Major Project as a hardcover, high-quality book felt the most professional and remarkable to me, which would showcase my work the most optimally. I made sure it was printed to be industry standard for a photography book, and I selected a premium lustre paper to guarantee my images would be well-contrasted and vibrant.

I used Google Sites for my workbook to have accessible navigation clear presentation and for my work. On my website, I generated a digital flip-book version of my final outcome so I could easily share it.

For the Summer Show, I have contributed to all the requirements, such as: creating an artist statement, formatting a yearbook page, and being the photographer for the show setup/viewing.

In the exhibition, I chose to have an A3 print on display from the Digital Print Bureau - this was kindly organised for me. I selected the colour version of the photograph used on my book front cover so that the audience would instantly recognise that the works were related. On reflection, I am pleased to have chosen a portrait image, because I believe it had more space to stand out.