Documentary Photography Project

[UaeExile]

Hi All,

I'm planning a short project and thought I'd post here to see if anyone had any suggestions or thoughts on where I might look for inspiration?

To cut a long story short, I work at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi but I'll be leaving in the next four weeks. I hadn't really thought of doing anything, but I think it could make an interesting mini-series and give me something to take with me as a memento of my last five years here.

Originally I was thinking about doing a portrait series called "The Diplomats" (original, I know!), but then I thought of something more documentary in nature called "over the wall" or something along those lines. Basically a mix of the embassy compound, working day of colleagues and the social side of families who live in the Embassy.

Not sure what I'm looking for here, but it would be good to get some thoughts about what might make it interesting, or if anyone has any links to similar documentary projects?

Cheers!

 

[ajax_andy]

Hi All,

I'm planning a short project and thought I'd post here to see if anyone had any suggestions or thoughts on where I might look for inspiration?

To cut a long story short, I work at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi but I'll be leaving in the next four weeks. I hadn't really thought of doing anything, but I think it could make an interesting mini-series and give me something to take with me as a memento of my last five years here.

Originally I was thinking about doing a portrait series called "The Diplomats" (original, I know!), but then I thought of something more documentary in nature called "over the wall" or something along those lines. Basically a mix of the embassy compound, working day of colleagues and the social side of families who live in the Embassy.

Not sure what I'm looking for here, but it would be good to get some thoughts about what might make it interesting, or if anyone has any links to similar documentary projects?

Cheers!

One of my colleagues at the college was giving a talk on documentary photography yesterday and what he said was really interesting with regards this type of work… basically what is the message you're trying to get across? It's ok taking photos of colleagues working, the compound etc but without a really defined message it'll lack impact. Personally I would look at something like rags vs riches or along those lines… shoot the diplomats and the lavishness of their time at the embassy and all the parade of them being there, then also shoot the families and normal people who's lives whilst probably ok are very financially different. I kind of almost imagine a lavish spread on a table laid out for diplomates and then a small gathering with buffet or barbecue with the families, or just a few of the blokes sitting around drinking tea from old chipped cups etc.

 

[Pookeyhead]

One of my colleagues at the college was giving a talk on documentary photography yesterday and what he said was really interesting with regards this type of work… basically what is the message you're trying to get across?

Pretty much this......

Don't think of projects PHOTOGRAPHICALLY.... as all you're doing is planning photoshoots. With documentary, you need to get your head around the PURPOSE of those photos. So.. what do you want to say about the embassy and its staff? What will you want to show me? What will make it interesting for me? Will I learn something from them?

I, like many others I assume, know almost nothing about the life of a diplomat. Many will assume it's a high paid job where you get to ilve teh high life on expenses, and think it's all social gatherings like the ferrero rocher advert... LOL

Explode that myth if that is what's required. Re-enforce it if it actually IS like a ferrero rocher advert

Educate me.


Show the people... what they do, how they live, how they work... take me behind the scenes, and also sprinkle it with some very well done portraits too, and I'd be interested in seeing it.


Don't start a project by planning how you're going to shoot it... start it by planning what you want to show people. With documentary, the photography is merely a vehicle for the story you want to tell. I'm not saying they can't look great.... but just don't plan great shots to begin with, or you'll ignore the story in favour of eye candy.... plan the story, then make the best of the opportunities exploring that story gives you.

 

[daz103]

A friend of mine, starts by writing the story down, almost like he's writing a journalistic piece then goes about illustrating the story. It helps to focus and find a purpose. I have tried that for a couple of projects and it has helped, other times not so much, depends on your way of working. Certainly focusing on developing the story or basic idea first before thinking photographically is the way forward.

Good luck, it sounds like a promising idea.

 

[UaeExile]

Sorry guys, the replies slipped the radar!

Thanks for the tips Andy, Dave and Darren. Two weeks left at work and your ideas have have helped me come up with some ideas.

Shukran..