The first step to this project  is to choose an image that engages you as a viewer.  The photograph should be a published work by a photographer who has been working or worked for at least five years.  It will be easier to gather information on the photographer if he or she has built a career using the medium.

A GOOD CHOICE:

Eddie Adams

NOT-SO-GOOD:

Some guy from Google images

The next step after you’ve found your image is to gather as much information about the photograph as you can.  Find out if it has:

- a TITLE (it may be untitled)

- what YEAR and/or date it was made (this is key to get historical context)

- WHERE it was made (where the photographer took the picture)

- WHO or WHAT is/are the SUBJECTS (what was the photographer photographing)

- WHAT format camera (camera type) the photographer used

You should be able to get most of this information for your photograph with a little bit of research.  If you can’t, please see me and/or consider choosing another photograph for this assignment.

GOOD INFO:

“ Gen. Nguyen Ngoc Executes a Suspected NLF/PALF Guerrilla”

February 1, 1968

Gen. Ngoc and Suspect

35mm, Black/White film

NOT-SO-GOOD:

“Untitled” (?)

Late 1970’s— Early 1980’s

Andy Gibb and a Blonde

Unknown equipment

Use the links in the RESOURCES page (and your own web searching) to find more information about factors that might have contributed to the making of the photo:

THE SOCIAL CONTEXT      Who were the photographers contemporaries in his/her field?  What were some of the major aesthetic and commercial uses of the medium?

THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT      What was going on in that part of the world at that time?  What were some of the current events that might have been significant?

THE POLITICAL CONTEXT      Who was in power wherever the photograph was made?  What was the political situation in the photographer’s home country? 

THE TECHNOLOGICAL  CONTEXT      What type of equipment did the photographer use to make the picture (e.g., digital camera, 8”x10” view camera)?

GOOD INFO:

There is a great deal of information re: photographers and reporters working during the Vietnam War and the political and social climate available on-line.

NOT-SO-GOOD:

While there is a great deal of information re: the Bee Gees, Andy Gibb, and disco music available, it may not pertain to this photograph AND/OR this project

Complete the CONTEXTUAL WORKSHEET and then spend at least ten (10) minutes reflecting and writing in your journal (your reflection should  be at least one (1) page long) about your experience evaluating the photograph.  Is it a powerful image?  Does it make you think?  Feel?  WHY?

REMEMBER:

Make this project mean something to you.

REMEMBER:

You get out of this what you put into it.