Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
There are 3 ways to convey your message visually: 1.Photographing reality: What is happening NOW 2. Photographing symbols: Show an idea, concept or a theme 3. Posing the scene: photographing an arranged scene Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
What is ‘reality’ in a photo? Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Reality is: Reality is the state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they may appear or might be imagined How can we show reality in a picture? Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
What so you see in these pictures? Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
The pictures speak for themselves. What you see in this picture is happening (or has happened). Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Instead of reality, we can use symbolism in a photo. What is ‘symbolism’? Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Symbolism: A symbol is something that represents, stands for, or points to something else. This means, something we see on a photo might not be the actual meaning of the photo How do we use symbolism in a picture? Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Example: This is a symbol for….? Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Let’s practise: What do you see? What is the meaning of the next photos, according to you? Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
The pictures do not speak for themselves. It is possible that what you see in this picture, is not what is meant with this picture. Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Furthermore... An object can symbolize multiple things, depending on the way you photograph and arrange the object. Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
When making your choice: Mix reality and symbolism Because using only symbolism can get boring – or just too demanding – for the viewer Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Now think for yourself how you would take a picture of: a broken heart? a new opportunity in your life? your relationship with your mother or father? Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Another option is to re-arrange reality to show what you want to tell. We call this an arranged scene Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
The photographer asked one boy to stand up and asked the other boys to look at him. This way it seems like the standing boy is teaching something to the rest of the group. Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
The photographer asked the boy in the middle to kneel down. He asked the boys around to jump up backwards at his mark. The photographer took this picture to show strength and power. Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
Think of this when arranging your scene: Make it believable! If people don’t want their faces in the picture, shoot your picture from the behind or zoom in on body parts (e.g. hands, legs, feet) Arrange a scene when you cannot get consent for a shot in reality (e.g. at a clinic or doctor’s office) Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene
To sum up: 1. Both reality and symbolism can be used to show your message in a picture 2. Reality is the state of things as they actually exist 3. A symbol is something that represents, stands for, or points to something else 4. An object can symbolize multiple things, depending on the way you photograph and arrange the object 5. You can create your own reality by arranging a scene Reality, Symbolism and an Arranged Scene