We met at the Modlin Center for the Arts, where we saw an exhibition entitled 'The Social Lens', a show which features the work of Dorothea Lange and her contemporaries. We were led in an amazing discussion about Dorothea's evolving eye and style, as well as ethical questions surrounding her work and the value of 'intent'. Below is the much-discussed photograph, 'Migrant Mother'. We observed Dorothea's process in beginning to photograph from far away, then slowly moving forward in an attempt to gain trust. As made apparent in the photographs below, it's clear that Dorothea made certain choices in creating the final image. The older, teenage child was removed from the composition and the two younger children were placed behind the mother, with their faces turned. Upon realizing that this photograph was not just another 'decisive moment', we were asked if it held the same value/importance. We also learned that the mother in the images alleges that she was deceived by Dorothea Lange, who made a promise that the images would not be published. This claim is subject to debate, yet many still felt that the impact the image had during the depression/dust bowl was greater than the desires of this one woman.
Many of the other images viewed led to a fantastic discussion about exploitation, folk art and the struggle for equality for women in the photography industry. Apparently, many of the female photographers that worked for the FSA were never given recognition for their images and did not receive equal pay! I guess that's what happens when Walker Evans is out there stealing all of your thunder...
I found this nice quote from Dorothea about being a documentary photographer on University of Richmond's website:
“You force yourself to watch and wait. You accept all the discomfort and the disharmony. Being out of your depth is a very uncomfortable thing. You force yourself onto strange streets, among strangers. It may be very hot. It may be painfully cold. It may be sandy and windy and you say, What am I doing here? What drives me to do this hard thing?”
This discussion about the integrity of image-taking (stealing?), was one which added a nice continuity from Tuesday's discussion on our mission statement and a code of conduct.
After the talk we had a brief amount of time to view the rest of the exhibit on our own, then we were introduced to the amazing Laura Browder. For the rest of the class we had a lecture/discussion about her work as an oral historian, novelist and journalist. She had a lot of great insight and some incredibly creative and intelligent ideas about becoming engaged in the community you're documenting, and gaining trust.
She spoke of 'degrees of separation' and how to utilize the contacts you may already have to meet more people. In her experience, the first few contacts you make are always the hardest... then, you should allow them to give you advice on who else to speak with or how to meet others. Laura also believes that you only begin to know the sorts of questions to ask in an interview once you're immersed within the community. Allow your subjects to inform you!
'Watershed Moments' play an important role in the structure of her interviews; she likes questions which require a clear 'before and after' story. She always sends her questions to people before going to interview them and is big on utilizing email as her main form of communication with her subjects. She mentioned the power of 'thank you', and said that she always sends an email of appreciation the day after her interview.
Here are some other ideas she discussed:
-The importance of neutrality. Not wearing your beliefs on your sleeve, as they may offend your subject. Take the bumper stickers off your car (whoops!) and if possible, delete your facebook!
-Always show people's 'best side'.
-Make a list of succinct questions to ask your subjects, which should never exceed twenty.
-Ask questions which incite a story, instead of a "yes" or "no".
-Don't take notes! Bring a recorder so you can remain engaged with the subject, and... you may realize that note-taking is fallible and you may not always write down what becomes important later...
-Use a biographical form.
-Use release forms!
-Find out where your potential subjects spend time. Churches? Community Centers? Hand out post cards with a tagline about your project. Write an article for the local newspaper! Host a party! Find creative ways to engage.
I was incredibly glad to have the opportunity to hear about Laura's process- I only wish we had met her a few semesters ago!! ALSO! Did you guys notice her amazing way of making eye-contact with everyone? She's good at what she does...
Sorry for the lengthy post, this field trip merited it!
Great minutes Kate-- you've set a new standard!
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