Ask yourself "why?"
In this article, I will share examples from my experience. These examples will help you better understand the basic principles and methods I use in my practice. They illustrate how theoretical knowledge can be applied in practice, enabling effective problem-solving and goal achievement. Each example will be based on real-life situations, making them more illustrative and useful for understanding.
After researching the topic of place for a long time, I decided to create a book about an old apple orchard in southwest Moscow. This area is my home. The orchard, which is approximately 80 years old, is distinguished by its beauty and unique atmosphere. Surrounded by residential buildings, it is reminiscent of the concept of a garden city proposed by the English sociologist and utopian philosopher Ebenezer Howard. Unfortunately, the apple orchard is gradually disappearing. This is due to both the natural aging of the trees and poor maintenance, as well as so-called "landscapes," when pedestrian paths are laid directly over the roots of the trees, causing damage to them. It is necessary to pay attention to the preservation of such unique natural objects so that they can continue to delight residents and serve as an example of the harmonious coexistence of nature and urban space.
Thinking about how to approach this story, I asked myself: what exactly do I want to do and for what purpose? It was difficult for me to watch the garden gradually disappear, but it was impossible to change this process. Immersed in reflection, I realized that I wanted to preserve the garden using the artistic means available to me. This desire became an inspiration for me, prompting me to look for new ways to capture the beauty and uniqueness of this corner of nature before it finally loses its life.
And then the question "how?"
How to preserve the garden in its current state? Obviously, you can document it, recording the current state. However, simply capturing the appearance of the garden is not enough. Inspired by this thought, I decided to create a book-museum of the garden. This project will not only preserve the garden's visual appearance but also capture its history, atmosphere, and unique features. The book will serve as a kind of archive that will pass on knowledge about plants, their significance, and how to care for them to future generations.
The idea behind the museum is a multifaceted approach to studying the orchard. This includes analyzing the history of its creation, exploring the dynamics of its development, the variety of apple trees, and many other aspects. The museum offers a unique opportunity to view the orchard from various perspectives, allowing for a deeper understanding of its significance and role in culture.
I realized that action was needed, and I developed a clear plan. As a result, the "Name Branch" project was born.
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Turn to Theory
In my story about my family archive, "Old Family Photographs and Deep Space Objects," I encountered the fact that traditional methods of working with old photographs, such as collages, embroidery, and perforating, did not bring me satisfaction. Seeking a more profound approach, I turned to philosopher Sergei Lishaev's book, "Remembering with Photography." Within its pages, I discovered interesting reflections on how old photography and deep space objects have a similar nature. Both phenomena represent light reflected from objects that may no longer exist. This realization opened new horizons for me in perceiving both family archives and the universe. Now I see in every old photograph not just an image, but an entire story that connects the past with the present, like light from distant stars reaching us after billions of years.
The idea of integrating public domain images of stars and nebulae obtained by space telescopes with old photographs was developed to create unique visual content. Therefore, a plan of action was drawn up to implement this project.
Explore the Material
The search for a creative idea can occur simultaneously with the process of working on a project. This is what happened with the project "From the USSR, 1926-1928." I received an archive of glass negatives relating to this historical period. For a long time, it was unclear how to use these unique materials, but the desire to create something meaningful and interesting became a powerful incentive for further action.
I decided to carefully study the archive's contents, scanned all the images, and systematized the information. I counted the number of people in 72 photographs, trying to identify them, recognize acquaintances, and trace how they changed over time. This process took several months and allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the material. I viewed the archive as a record of the era, which significantly enriched my analysis. The book's narrative was shaped by artistic investigation, representing a story of searches and attempts to solve a mystery presented by life. This structure allows for a deeper immersion in the events, revealing the characters' internal conflicts and emotional experiences. Artistic investigation becomes not only the basis of the plot, but also a tool for analyzing human nature, which makes the text more multilayered and attractive to the reader.
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Photo project: planning and its importance
Planning a photo project is a key stage that determines its success. Proper preparation will help you effectively organize the shooting process, avoid potential problems and achieve the desired results.
The first step in planning a photography project is defining the goal. A clear understanding of what you want to convey through your photographs will help you create more focused and meaningful content. This could be creating a portfolio, a commercial shoot, or documenting an event.
The next important aspect is choosing a shooting location. The location should match the concept of the photo project and create the right mood. Explore various options and visit the places you plan to use in advance.
It is equally important to make a list of the necessary materials and equipment. Make sure you have all the necessary accessories, such as lighting, background, and other elements that may be needed during the shoot.
It is also worth thinking through the script and storyboard in advance. This will help organize the shooting process and make it more efficient. Discover the possibilities of creative solutions and experiment with different styles and approaches.
A photo project requires careful planning, but this will significantly increase your chances of creating high-quality and memorable content. Proper organization of the process will help you achieve your goals and make your photo project a success.
Get Started
If you have a theme, but haven't formulated a clear idea, start working with it in any way possible. This could include photography, drawing, fact-finding, or other content. The key is to not be afraid to experiment and explore to figure out which direction to take next. This approach will help you identify interesting aspects of your topic and may even lead to new, inspiring ideas.
The necessary insights often arise as you work.
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