Related Personal Study // Essay

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2608543/Photographer-Lee-Jeffries-uncovers-haunting-human-face-drug-addiction-homelessness-poverty.html

'Every picture tells a story. Discuss'

Introduction

I have chosen this title for my related personal study as it links to my project "Home". The reason for this is that I want my photography to tell the story of a persons’ home life, so for my practical work to be influential, it must be able to connect with the viewers and give an insight to what the person presented in the image has been through.

I intend to explore Documentary Photography within the topic of social issues, as I want my images to the images are often more dramatic and eye opening. I plan to look at different sources in the media, such as news papers and websites, and also visit galleries to widen my knowledge and get inspiration for this study.

I expect my research and findings to inform and enhance my practical work as I feel that my ability to tell a story within an image will improve. Furthermore, my artists' work will give me inspiration and help me develop more ideas for my practical work.

Artist work

A photographer whose work really appeals to me, and I would like to research is Lee Jefferies. His journey as a photographer first started when a chance to meet with a young homeless girl in the streets of London came about; which changed his artistic approach forever. Jeffries recalls that, initially, he was taking a photo of this young homeless girl huddled in a sleeping bag, when she had noticed him doing this. His first reaction was to leave; however, he says that something made him stay and converse with the homeless girl. After this, his perception about the homeless completely changed, and they became the subject of his art.
The models in his photographs are homeless people that he met in Europe and the United States - “Situations arose, and I made an effort to learn to get to know each of the subjects before asking their permission to do their portrait.” Following this, his photographs truly portray his convictions and compassion to the world.
One of his more recent projects took him to Miami, Florida, where he captured these haunting images below. He met Margo Stevens, a former porn star living in an abandoned garage with five other homeless women. Jeffries showed his genuine, compassionate heart by saying: “She is a human being; she looks out for other people. She is so much more than the labels.” It is evident that he has now made it his mission to reveal the human face of addiction, poverty and homelessness around the world, by simply getting to know individuals to capture an image that feels real, emotive, and tells their story. 

Objectively, this image shows a woman, in the centre of the frame in black and white. She has greasy hair, with a headband in, a dirty face, and a tatty fur coat on. Her face is slightly tilted down, as the camera is angled slightly looking down on her, maybe to show the intimidation and embarrassment she feels. Her eyes are quite piercing, as she is looking directly into the camera, possibly suggesting that she isn’t afraid and she has nothing to hide. The background is well thought out to be black, to help the woman stand out more with her lighter hair colour.

Subjectively, this image can seem quite disturbing as well as compelling, as you can immediately tell that she has been through some hard times in her life. The black and white editing of the image exaggerates this, as it gives a sense of rejection and almost depression to the photograph. It grips you, as you feel empathy towards her, as it makes you want to help her. 

 

Objectively, this image shows a young woman, in the left hand side of the frame, in pain and distress, as her facial expression suggests that she is screaming / crying. The image is in black and white, and you make the presumption that she is naked, as her upper chest is on show. There is slight movement in the photo, as the hair is flicked over the shoulder, which could suggest that she is trying to move away from trouble. The high contrast in the image exaggerates the uncleanliness of her state, as well as the creases in her forehead, exclaiming that she is frightened.

Subjectively, I feel that this image really speaks for itself. It truly grabs your heart and makes the audience feel compassion towards her. Every asset of the image comes together to show that she may be quite vulnerable and is being targeted for something. The emotion this photo portrays enables it to tell this story and suggest what she has been through. 

Objectively, this image shows a man, in the centre of the frame, with his hands cupped to the sides of his face as if he is in need, or is disappointed, whilst his watery eyes are looking up, as if he may be praying to God. The photograph is in black and white, making the dirt on his skin stand out more. It also exaggerates the wrinkles and creases in his skin, possibly showing age, or stress. He has quite a scruffy beard, suggesting he may be in poverty.

Subjectively, this image makes you feel sorry for the man, as he seems to be in need. The black and white colour, along with his penurious facial expression fills the audience with a sense of remorse, as you want to do something to help him. When you look into his teary eyes, it almost lets you in to see a part of his life of distress and upset, as today’s society says that it is wrong for men to cry, which makes this photo more vulnerable and impacting, as you see something which is not the normal. All Jefferies’ work gives this impression, as the portrayal of the stories of the subjects’ shock you, as you don’t see anything similar in everyday life.

Another photographer whose work I love and would like to research more is Andrew Holbrooke.
Holbrooke currently lives in New York City and has been honoured with numerous Pictures of the Year/National Press Photographer's Association awards, a World Press Photo award, an Art Director's Club award, and the "Best Photojournalism" award from World Hunger Year. As well as this, he has worked throughout the world, including: Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Pakistan, The Philippines, Thailand, Romania, Turkey, Niger, Kenya, Colombia and Indonesia. However, the shoot that most intrigued me and also related well to my project was in his hometown; “Homeless in New York.” The images from this shoot, shown below, are natural photographs taken in the daily life of homeless people in the streets of New York. I want to look at them more in depth so that I could get a real feel for how Holbrooke has documented them. In doing this, my hope is that my work would have the same impact of feeling empathy for the homeless

Objectively, this image shows a homeless man on the street, sat by a lamp post, pointing at and telling his dog off. This is the main focus of the photograph, as they are in the foreground of the image, just to the left of the centre. It is evidently taken in the winter months, as there is snow on the ground behind him. Also behind him, is what looks like the main road – cars, vans and buses are driving by. His dog is stood on his hind legs, whilst the man himself is sat on a piece of cardboard with his legs bent and back up against the post, with a cigarette in his mouth. In front of him is a can, presumably for money or his food. To the side of him is a dustbin filled with rubbish, which could relate to the fact that he may be treated as if he were rubbish.

Subjectively, this image captures your attention, as there is clearly a scene being made by the subjects. When you see the dustbin and make the link that they may be seen as rubbish, it gives a new feel of emotion to the image, because you first notify what appears to be aggression, and then you begin to feel empathetic towards them, as you become aware that they are living in poverty. The dog’s expression could suggest something to do with the way a homeless person may feel frustrated and annoyed because of their state. As well as this, the vehicles in the background are an important part of the photo, as it implies the way that people just go by them every day and don’t stop to help. It makes the audience want to do something about it.

Objectively, this image shows a homeless man lying underneath some rubble, trying to keep warm. The expression in his face is almost as if he is lifeless; he looks distraught. His head is cooped up against a stone wall, and behind him is a huge, dirty drain pipe, alongside a bottle of wine. At the bottom there is smoke going across the picture, which is presumed to be from a cigarette. 

His face is the centre of the image, making it noticeable straight away that he is unclean, with dirt on his face. The natural lighting also shows the wrinkles on his forehead, suggesting his age or stress.

Subjectively, this picture is intriguing, as it shows the true state and setting that the homeless live in. It makes you question the subjects’ story, and how he got to this point in his life.

His facial expression particularly grasps your attention, as he looks up into the camera in need.

Objectively, this image shows an evidently rich, posh street in New York City. In the darkest part of the image, the bottom left hand corner, there is a homeless person begging. They are wrapped in a yellow coloured blanket and a red head scarf; none of their flesh is seen apart from their hand, which is holding the cup for money. On the brighter, right hand side of the image there is an older woman, holding a snake skin handbag, her hair pinned back, and wearing a long, brown, fur coat, paired with a pink scarf tucked into it. The expression on her face suggests her disgust as she walks by the beggar. The background of the image shows a grand, glass, shop window, with the reflection of other busy shoppers walking past. Subjectively, because of the lighting, you first notice the elder woman walking by in her posh clothing, which could purposefully reflect somewhat of how todays society is. In this photo, I think Holbrooke is trying to address the selfishness that there is in the world today, and that we need to start putting others’ needs before ours. This image is very cleverly composed, as not only does it tell a story of peoples’ lives, it also communicates an influential message to the audience.

Further Inspiration

Alongside the inspiration I have gained from these photographers’ work, I also visited some galleries in Nottingham, of which inspired me further to think outside the box in regards to the development of my project.
The Castle Gallery, I felt, particularly offered a lot to me, which gave me some ideas to think about and develop in my project.

This piece of artwork is called ‘Making Love’ from the Nic Joly Collection.

Objectively, the word ‘love’ is centred in capital big, black, bold letters. Surrounding what is seen to be the main asset in the sculpture are little figures one ladders with tools, as if they are working on the making of ‘love.’

Subjectively, I love how this art is so imaginative that it captures the imagination of those who look at it and inspires them to be more creative. I feel this with my project, as it can link to the idea of building a perfect home.  Nic Joly states: "I see my sculptures as pieces of theatre to get lost in - framed feelings, thoughts, imaginings and observations". I want this statement to also be applied and apparent in my work, as I think it will help the audience to relate to me and the social issue of homelessness more.

As well as this, I believe it will really portray the story telling element of my project, and engage people in that way.

This is a sculpture made by Paul Horton called ‘Home- Heart of Life.’

Objectively, this sculpture shows an older, rustic house. There is a tree, with thick, prominent roots, growing up the house, all in a brown shade. There is wooden fencing going around the back of the house, and a pathway, through the garden, leading to the tall door.

Subjectively, to me, this sculpture seems rather disturbing, as it reminds me of a haunted house and almost makes me feel slightly uncomfortable and frightened. This is because it’s all one dull colour, and the tree roots look like a monsters hand. Also, the fencing could be seen as memorial stones in a cemetery. Therefore, I see a contrast in the way Horton has called it ‘Home- heart of life’ when there seems to be no life there; it’s an old house, not a home.

This piece of artwork got me thinking about the way I want to contrast the warm connotations of the word ‘home’ with the fact that there are people out there who are homeless and struggling through everyday life. Therefore Horton’s work has inspired mine, in the way that I want my project to tell the horrifying stories of what people have been through, like his portrays.

This piece of artwork is called ‘No Place like Home’ from the Paul Corfield Collection.

Objectively, this picture shows country roads and green fields from up close, going off into the distance. The sky, filled with a few clouds, is a shade of pink, and the yellow sun is gleaming in it. In the midst of all of this, in the upper centre of the image, in the gap between the trees, stands a white cottage/house.

Subjectively, I think the hills show that through all the ups and downs and challenges of life, you can still find your home, or place to rest, where your heart belongs. The beauty of the openness in the countryside is that you can feel at one with nature, and more content in life. I feel that this comes across in the image, as the way it is painted makes the audience grasp a sense of freedom.
The story telling element is also shown in this photo, as you relate to what is suggested to be the journey of life. Therefore, I will use this artwork to inspire my work to portray that there is ‘no place like home’.

My own work

Objectively, this image shows a girl brushing her teeth from an angle pointing up at her face as she leans over the sink. She is wearing a floral top, which suggests her personality of being quite girly. The lighting ensures that her face is seen clearly, as it is the focus of the image, being central of the photograph.
Subjectively, I think this image relates to motherhood, and how you watch your children grow up. This is because you see the young girl brushing her teeth by herself, but also because the camera angle is facing up towards her, suggesting that you are watching her grow in height as well as maturity. There is a high contrast is this image which makes the  subject stand out as she is in the light, whereas the background is dark.

This picture tells a story, as it documents the 'every day' things we do in life. It intrigues the viewer because it makes you wonder about the individuals life. 

Objectively, this image shows the windscreen from the backseat of the inside of the car. It is a landscape polaroid in black and white. There is rain on the windscreen, and there are two people sat in the front of the car; of which you can see the driver in the rear-view mirror. The handwriting underneath the photograph states "family road trip". 

Subjectively, this image gives a sense of pathetic fallacy due to the rainy weather, which communicates the feelings of sadness, and being upset. The car is moving, so the image outside the windscreen is blurry, which adds a confusion and mystery to these feelings. The high contrasting of black and white effects also does this.
The handwriting makes this image more personal to the audience, which helps them relate to the image. The idea of a family road trip is fun and happiness, which contrasts this photograph.

Polaroid photographs are also a great way to document images. In todays society, they are modernly used to do this, as you can write the title of the memory on the image, which tells the viewer the story through both the image as well as the text. 

My images are more natural in comparison to Lee Jefferies photographs, as you can see that he has purposely got subjects who are in poverty to pose in such a way that it dramatises and exaggerates the unfortunate situations that they are in. However, Andrew Holbrooke has a more natural approach by capturing every day life in the streets of New York. My final outcome images will represent more of a Lee Jefferies approach, because I want the audience to feel shocked by the awful position that people in poverty are in. To do this I will use the idea of high contrast, black and white images to ensure the subjects in my images look more deprived in hope to catch the viewers attention and make them think about how privileged we are, and how we should help those in need. It tells a snippet of their story, of who they are and what they are going through. 

These are my final images, inspired by Lee Jefferies work.

Conclusion

To conclude, I believe that certain pictures do tell a story, but as the audience we may interpret the stories in differently, and receive different things from images, as no one is the same, or has experienced the same things. Photographers tell stories through their work by portraying the emotion in them. This is done very well through both documentary and portraiture photography, as you can see the setting of the image and the expression of the subjects in response to what they’re going through at that moment in time. As well as through the subject, artists also enable the audience to engage with stories through the colour, contrast, brightness, and angle of which the photograph is taken. This helps you gain a feel for what is happening in the image, and allows you to relate to it almost straight away.

In today’s society, art is a truly incredible way of communication, as it is so applicable and meaningful to you, yet so personal and unique to the individual who created it also. My aim for my project is to communicate the social issue of homelessness by telling a story through my images of what it is like to live like this. I am doing this in hope that it will affect the hearts and minds of those more fortunate, so that we can be more aware of how we can help others in poverty, but also be more aware of how blessed the majority of us are to have experienced a warm, loving home.