Further Reflection on Assignment 2
Continuing from my previous reflection, here are some additional thoughts on Assignment 2.
At the start of this assignment, I found myself still struggling with the challenge of creating a cohesive set of images. I spent hours photographing crowds, but the resulting images were disappointing and didn’t fit the brief at all. I realized that I had failed to fully grasp the brief, and my technical approach—such as the combination of lens, aperture, and viewpoint—was off the mark.
Looking back, I recognize that my research was inadequate. The initial idea for the assignment came from an image I captured while shooting, which sparked the concept of exploring The Humanity of Litter. However, after that first shoot, instead of sitting down and editing the images into a cohesive set, I should have spent more time researching the subject and exploring how other photographers had tackled similar themes. Unfortunately, after returning from my six-week backpacking trip in South America, I was reluctant to invest further weeks of research, especially after having already spent so much time on a failed idea. In hindsight, this led me to rush into submitting something “down on paper” without giving it the attention it truly needed.
If I had taken more time for research or even written a more developed artist statement before diving into the shoot, I believe the assignment would have been stronger and more focused. While I still stand by the project and feel immense pride in it, I can acknowledge that it has its faults. Despite the challenges I faced, it stands out as one of the most cohesive pieces of work I have produced, and that alone feels like a significant achievement.
The initial artist statement I provided was not as clear as it could have been, partly because I rushed through the writing process. Perhaps starting the set with an image of litter being dropped and ending with a piece of litter being swept away could have added a narrative arc to the project. Alternatively, focusing on a specific type of litter, like cigarettes, might have provided a more concentrated exploration of the subject.
As the course has progressed, I find myself revisiting this assignment and the potential it holds. While I’ve been mindful not to over-obsess or rehash the concept, I do plan to revisit this idea as a longer-term personal project. It’s a theme I feel has more to offer, and I look forward to exploring it further.
