Zine and Collaboration (with a tiny frustration and portrait fail!)

Ok here's a confession- the first time I ever heard the word 'ZINE' was after I had begun this program.  I had to google it (insert gasp emoji here!).

Incase someone has stumbled onto this post and is also in the dark- here is the definition curtesy of Merriam-Webster Online (available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zine)

Photographer James Moreton totes the glories of creating 'zines.' For him zines represent freedom, and a tactile environment where creators can sort, pair and juxtapose images to create impact or tell a story. He calls them 'intriguing' and 'interesting' form of modern art (Morton in Phoblographer 2019).

Our assignment was one of collaboration.  Together in a self-chosen group, with a collective theme each group member submitted.

Because the MA program at Falmouth University is world-wide, and very diverse, we choose the theme to be - Environmental Portraits.  Hopefully showing the differences, contrasts, and yet similarities of man.  The idea is curtesy of fellow student, Theunis Stofberg, who also volunteered to collect and help organize.  We decided each group member would strive to submit 2-6 images.

The FRUSTRATION:

The group created a group texting plan to communicate- turns out my service plan does not include international texting!  Grrr.  Opting into a 'pay per text' plan, with a group text shooting ideas around could really add up - and is not really in the family budget (why aren't students made of more money!?) but luckily Theunis was kind enough to keep me updated via. email and so my participation continued.

Here are the 4 portraits:

Fig. 1: Slade 2019

Was unsure about what career to choose as a youth. 

Now 30 years later he feels it was a great life serving the community.

Fig. 2: Slade 2019

 Not getting much sleep thanks to homework,

but hoping becoming an EMT will be worth it.

Fig. 3: Slade 2019

 Boy Scout Leader for over 40 years. 

This image was taken at a ‘day camp’ he was running for cub scouts.

He is 74 years old. 

Fig. 4: Slade 2019

On the School Board, is a Registered Nurse, and currently a nursing instructor.

  Serves as president of the local women’s organization (with over 1000 women members) as part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she trains women in leadership roles and oversees humanitarian efforts.  Has raised 11 children including several who have entered the medical field, studied law, and education, with one full time missionary, and even a ball-room dancer.

The next frustration: When I saw my images with the others submitted I realized I totally missed the boat!  The other portraits definitely had a more artistic flair (duh moment!).  I never studied photography as undergrad so I sometimes feel like I am a step behind in intuitively knowing what the assignments are asking.  When they said environmental portraits from our areas I was just thinking headshots from around the world- I totally could have been more artistic in their expression it just didn't occur to me when I was doing it!  Then as a photographer I think I should always be looking for the creative edge right?  Lesson learned.  

Figure 1. Bren SLADE 2019. Private Collection: Bren Slade.
Figure 2. Bren SLADE 2019. Private Collection: Bren Slade.
Figure 3. Bren SLADE 2019. Private Collection: Bren Slade.
Figure 4. Bren SLADE 2019. Private Collection: Bren Slade.

MORTON, James. 2017. 'Something Tactile: Why Photographers Should Create Zines.' Phoblographer. Available at:https://www.thephoblographer.com/2017/05/05/why-photographers-should-create-zines/ [accessed June 2019]

Merriam-Webster Online (available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zine) [accessed June 2019]