Oral Presentation: Surfaces and Stratagies 2019

A presentation about my current photography practices, including my methodologies and presentation strategies and the impact they have had on my own approaches:

Summer Workshop #2 "Lost Boys"

Fig. 1: Slade 2019 The Girl Who Slays Her Own Dragons

This "Lost Boys" themed workshop was already in the works when I decided to change my project and therefore planned an entirely new workshop with children participants (you can see that post here: Summer Workshop 1)  But since the photographers were already on board for this set up I went ahead with both, and this turned into more of just a photographers meet up.

There were 8 participating photographers (3 professional, 4 beginners) and over 15 child models- half with special needs or facing difficult childhood circumstances (like foster care).  The goal was "storytelling" and I created a small intro/cheat sheet for storytelling tips:

A location was set up and proper fees paid.  A professional face painter came on board and generously donated her time and amazing skills.  The beginner photographers 'shadowed' the professionals, while the professionals were able to have some creative time for themselves.

Since the workshop was so recent, most photographers aren't done editing.  But here are some sneak peeks courtesy of Jayme Christensen Photography:

Being in charge and keeping everything flowing, I barely got to take any images myself.  But the purpose of the workshop wasn't for me to take photos so all it well.  I can't wait to see all the results, and all the different styles and perspectives.



Figure 1. Bren SLADE. 2019. The Girl Who Slays Her Own Dragons. Private Collection.
Figures 2-6. Jayme CHRISTENSEN. 2019. Private Collection of Bren Slade.

The Art Show

“Photography is, first of all, a way of seeing.” -Susan Sontag 

The culminating moment of the summer photography workshop with kids: The Art Show.

My brother-in-law was renovating some offices and allowed us a bit of space:

After much sorting/editing/printing I got my first opportunity to do some curating!

I started with a floor lay-out to get a better idea of how it might flow together.

It took a bit of rearranging but in the end I was pleased with the space, and the results. 

Since my target audience was the children themselves I wanted the art at a child's eye-level. 

(This is a panorama of the final lay-out.  The room itself + the photo's led into a circular movement) 

The medium was a photo poster/ card stock, casually hung with pins on twine or directly to the wall. This proved to be a good choice since all the kids wanted to touch the images, almost petting them as they walked by.  Fine art in frames may have inhibited this interaction with their own art. 

The children and their families were invited to attend. 

The reaction was enthusiastic and motivating. It was interesting watching them observing their images, especially the ones taken in multiple perspectives by multiple kids at the same time. The wheels were turning and you could almost see them planning for 'next time.'

Quote: Susan Sontag (2007) Photography: A Little Summa. In: At the Same Time. London:  Penguin