The value of tutor feedback is clearly illustrated in this assignment. My response to the brief was on a purely interpretive level in relation to my own experiences and therefore became a descriptive assessment of the image rather than analytical, of which Matthew highlighted for me. Looking at the image now, in the light of Matthew’s feedback, it’s easier to see that a I had strayed from an analytical discourse and into the realms of personal subjectivity. Once this was pointed out I realised a change of approach was required.
Initially I debated with myself as to whether I should re-write or leave the assignment as it was and just carry on moving forward with the course; bearing in mind time constraints. An awareness that the academic essay is one of the most fundamental tools at a student’s disposal and that to get a better grasp of it is key to solid progression through the course, especially considering its importance with regard to the final year and the weight of writing that is required then.
So, how to go about a re-write?
Looking again at the image it’s easy to see that I chose quite a hard picture to write about. There was no information pertaining to it, only that within the frame; a historical document, so was open to my own interpretations. The image was not from the canon of widely established, great historic images of the likes of Fenton, Cameron or Lartigue, which have signifiers and symbolism within and perhaps could form an easier route into the essay. I had to understand why I chose this image to write about and not something with a well know pedigree. The answer was staring me in the face. The image related to my own personal history and how I view it and also it was about my initial encounter with it, and how, as a memory, this now forms a large part of the context with which I view it. I still thought it was important to include objective and subjective readings of the image, but also realised it was more about what the image meant to me.
There are several points of interest that Matthew has flagged which I know will be invaluable with my progression, but I think the most salient of these is the relationship of the photographer to the image; the why, how and wherefore? Although I did not feature this in the re-write, it is a point that is now lodged in my mind and I am thankful for it.
Context and Narrative 