Voyage - BTS were an experimental documentary project for one of the course modules - Exploratory Photographic Practice. Creating a series of photographs was the first time for me. The idea ‘behind the scenes’ was inspired from my performing arts and dance photography. I became interested in what is happening backstage after many collaborations with the dance studio. But I didn’t create that as the task for the module. The module is to explore. So, I gave myself another topic to create this project with the idea.
Voyage is an installation art which was held in Light Night Leeds in October 2019. It was created by Aether & Hemera, an Italian based light show company. The artwork consisted of a total of 160 LED boats, bundled in 5 lines, and floated on the water, in Leeds Dock. My role was to photograph the people behind it, during the installation. Simple…
Not quite simple actually… During the shoot, you have to be ready by positioning your camera beforehand and wait for the people(s) to come into frame. Predication was playing a big role here, it is challenging, unlike performing arts photoshoot, I could ask the performer about what I could expect during the show.
It is not simple too, if you are looking to create a strong narrative project. The module requirements of 8 to 12 images with correlation to each other in sequence. This could be challenging, especially when you are trying to consolidate your images in the selection phases. You would result in good shots, good composition and photographic techniques being eliminated.
Corey Arnold is an American documentary photographer based in Portland, Oregon. I learned a lot in his work. Such as the aspect of his working environment, capturing the worker (fishermen and fisherwomen) forces on their task in extreme cold and rough sea conditions. It reflects my dream of visiting Antarctica regions one day.
