Self Appraisals: Object

What is your understanding of issues related to Object?

My understanding of current issues within society are obtained through the regular reading of newspapers both in print and on the internet. 

I know that there are always issues within modern day society and most appear to be based firmly in politics. Whether it be the war in Iraq and Afghanistan or MP expenses or global warming. 

There are issues forever present in society, therefore it becomes hard to choose one to focus the project on.

What context would you place your work in?

We were required within this project to create an image based on a current issue within society. I chose to focus on the ongoing war in Iraq and Afghanistan. My best friend is currently fighting for the British Army in Afghanistan and it was his youth that inspired my final piece. I wanted to focus on the youth within the British military but also how soldiers are constantly being sent out to fight with seemingly no regard for the devastation caused to them and their families if not all goes to plan.

What were the reasons behind your photographic choices? For instance, how do you think your visual choices translate to your ideas?

I chose to include real meat in my piece to create a 'shock' factor that would get people's attention as soon as they look at the piece. I also wanted the meat to represent the way it seems as though soldiers are thought of by the government: pieces of meat that are 'expendable'. The inclusion of the toy soldiers represents the youth of the soldiers both fighting and lost in the war. I included the poppy within the piece to symbolise the remembrance of the lost soldiers. 

How have you managed your studies?

I feel that I could have managed my studies better but my management of this unit was satisfactory.

What aspect of your shoot productions do you need to reflect upon and why?

I would like the chance to reshoot the piece of remove the distraction caused by my inclusion of the fake blood. After review by myself, my peers and my tutor, I feel that it is too much when used in conjunction with the other elements of my image. 

What has been the most significant challenge on these Units so far? – How can you overcome them in the future?

This was my first shoot using a large format camera and studio lighting and these were my biggest challenge so far. I feel that I can overcome this by getting some more practise with the equipment.