Audiences and Institutions

Topic 8

In this topic we were asked to consider which photographic technique or aspect of photography we could not stand and would like to banish to George Orwell's classic Room 101.

Here is my selection:

The photographic aspect of photography I am totally feed up of seeing is over filtered selfies.

I an not against Photoshopping a portrait (within reason) but I cannot stand the world of filtered selfies (where, often, we are told "no filter" when it is obviously filtered) that have overrun Instagram, FaceBook etc.

In my own work I often use image editing software to remove some (never all) wrinkles, smooth skin etc. but you would always recognise the person.

In the past, I have overdone some images and they just do not look right, the subject has to look like the subject or I believe I have failed to edit the image professionally.

My aim is to make them look like themselves but on their best day, not filtered into an unrecognisable version of themselves.

I would love to put over filtered selfies into Room 101 so that I would never have to see "Look at me, no make up no filter" when it's so obvious that they have used filters.

• Question: How has your own practice been shaped, manipulated perhaps, by the makers of the technology you employ and/or the spaces in which you share your work?

• Answer: To be honest I have not really given this much thought before. I would have to say that, in truth, the answer is that with the exception of the limits of the FaceBook banner my practice has not been shaped or influenced at all. I take images and edit them how I feel looks best and this includes cropping. I never worry about if they will be a suitable crop (other than Facebook Banner) or have particular look that fits with a certain App or viewing platform.

• I create an image to suite my eye and I do not really concern myself with whether it is suitable for, say, Instagram etc.

• Question: What institutions do you wish to engage with to further your photography? How / Will your skillset and practice need to develop in order to be accepted within that institution?

• Answer: I would love to see my MA work published in book form and as an exhibition. I would need to research how I need codevelop before I can fully answer this question.