Developing Effective Expression Through Digital Photography: A Narrative Inquiry and Exhibition
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Date
2011-06-07
Authors
Watts, Ian
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Abstract
As a teacher of introductory media arts and a newcomer to photography, I felt a
shared frustration with my students when trying to express myself effectively in the
pictures I was taking. The purpose of this thesis is to explore ways of developing
effective expression through digital photography. Through narrative inquiry, I examine
theories of aesthetics, my perception of the environment around me, and the meaning
making process in photography. I also analyse the contemplative photography practise of
Miksang, and engage in a case study of photographs that I have taken during this inquiry.
In doing so, I advocate for the use of contemplative photography as a means of finding an
individual artistic style and voice, and for a practice of photography which seeks to
enlighten us about ourselves, rather than communicating pre-determined ideas. My
inquiry is presented in the form of an academic essay and a photography exhibition.