Research- Art Photography Now by Susan Bright

Over the past couple of days I have been looking at the book Art Photography now by Susan Bright. The book holds sections on different genres of photography including narrative. This proved very useful into gaining some initial inspiration on this particular genre. I have noted some useful information that has helped me so far-

• "the term 'narrative' suggests a story and therefore movement"
• "Narrative photography demands time from the viewer, peeling off the layers to get to the next installment which might fill in the blanks."
• Tableau Vivant Narrative- Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron who turned to literature and poems as inspiration and photographically reenacted them. 

Susan Bright on Gregory Crewdson

In the briefing Gregory Crewdson was mentioned as a reference point we may want to look into. Whilst looking at this book I came across this photographer and information into his inspirations. Gregory Crewdson an American artist likes to "expose the fantasies and anxieties of those living" in the communities he captures. In Crewdsons' interview in Susan Brights book he mentions he looks to seek the "mysterious" and find the "terrible within everyday life". He is interested in telling a story, in narrative and the limitations of photographs. From looking at his photographs we know he is pushing these limitations by creating the mysterious.Like many narrative photographers he is influenced by film which is noticeable when looking at his use of production techniques. Crewdson works with a production crew of sixty people who hold a film background.

 

The use of almost alien- like light in a few of his photographs creates a surreal atmosphere. The light in this particular photographs creates direction directing the viewer to look further into his scene. 

 

The use of pale blues in his compositions also creates an idea of the surreal. The set ups he creates are constructed through long periods of planning which is clear in his compositions and communities he captures. 

 

 The success of his images also relies upon being able to interact with the communities he works with and photographs. This interaction he forms reminds me of the quote by Robert Capa, " If your pictures aren't good enough your not close enough". This quote was mentioned during the briefing and suggests that getting involved with your subject makes your photographs more successful.