The Photographer’s Gaze
Edina McCann has been peering through a lens from a very young age.
At first, it was her teenage years and a classic analog Praktica camera, then onto university with the gaze of a fine art student, but lately it has been a DSLR and a deeper knowledge of the craft. Edina is a Home Study BA Hons Degree student of the Academy and is currently stepping into the next phase of her photography expedition.
Clearly a person with a curious mind, Edina works in the airline industry, which naturally involves a lot of travel and an array of vistas to capture along the way. But it was during the covid lockdowns, when flights were grounded and the world became quiet, that Edina began to get serious about photography.
“I received my first DSLR camera as a present from my husband 14 years ago, and I became a more active photographer, taking my camera everywhere with me. Working for an airline has given me many opportunities to travel around the world and document these journeys, including landscapes, cityscapes, people, cultural and sports events, taking photographs of absolutely everything.”
Once photography becomes a medium you wish to utilise, it can soon become clear that the piece of machinery you are carrying around has the potential to elevate your images to places beyond your wildest imagination. Grappling with the countless mechanisms of a manual camera can be intimidating at first but without an in-depth knowledge of your machinery, as a photographer you are limiting yourself as a creative.
“Gradually, I became more interested in the technical side of photography, using my camera in manual mode, experimenting with settings and compositional techniques. I read articles and learnt a great deal from YouTube, and my desire to deepen my knowledge and study photography grew.”
Quality over Quantity
And while it is indeed vital to understand the camera, there is so much more to learn. In an era where billions of photographs are shared daily, social media feeds are flooded with pictures. AI and sophisticated phone technology means that many images appear professional and polished. But quantity is not quality and among the billions of impressive images, much of it is chance. Most of the people who capture those images cannot produce professional standard images with purpose, and under the direction of a brief.
“I had never used studio equipment and was unfamiliar with it. I had to realise that photography is much more complex than just pressing the shutter-release button. I had to learn how to plan, research and present my work. Through the assignments, I gained extensive knowledge of the technical aspects of photography and the business side of the industry. Working through the assignments helped me to find my artistic voice and the art-direction I feel closest to.”
Photography is an old and rich discipline with waves of art movements and generations of world-shaking images to boast. It is both a tool of creativity and a witness to the world at large. Whether it is fashion, sport, war or everyday street photography, photographic images have been the slideshow of life for generations. Learning about the history of photography, its long and chequered path, as well as the skills behind great artistry, is the very thing that separates the good from the great.
“Researching the history of photography was a fascinating part of the learning path. It helped me develop a broader understanding of artistic and visual language, as well as of how to understand and interpret photographs. For me, it was an eye-opening experience that significantly changed the way I construct my photographs, making me a more conscious photographer.”
It’s a Movement
What is often surprising about embarking on a new area or discipline is really how enriching an experience it can be. Yes, adopting skills and techniques is important and expected, but as often happens with students of the Academy, there are more personal, existential takeaways that come from this high standard of learning.
“Projects that involved photography styles outside my usual interests were challenging, but they pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and helped me develop new skills and perspectives.”
And it is only when enticed out of that zone that people can truly test their mettle and uncover parts of themself, they may never have encountered before.
“As a non-professional photographer, I never thought I could develop a defined artistic vision or use my own artistic language. One of the most surprising aspects of the course was how much research, project work, and encouraging and constructive feedback made me more aware of what I am drawn to creatively and how they inspired my self-expression in my photography.”
Edina remains happy in her current line of work, and considering it provides so much subject matter for her photography passions, it is hardly surprising. Graduates often choose to embark on a career in the field they have studied, but there is no requirement to do so. Life is sweeter when filled with adventure, art and exploration and Edina’s odyssey is far from over. She is not planning on launching a career as a professional photographer but is keen to build a photography community.
“My main interests lie in travel, landscape, fine art photography, and photojournalism. I am not sure I could single out one genre. Generally, I prefer non-staged, non-constructed photography outside the studio. Capturing candid moments intrigues me for their authenticity and storytelling potential.”
There are indeed many ways to contribute to society in positive, creative, and encouraging ways, without always using it as your primary source of income. We live in a time where multidisciplinary skillsets are applauded. The “jack of all trades” has ditched its final sign off, “master of none”. We are now embracing adaptability and broader ranges of interests. Gone are the days of one job for life.
“I would like to use my knowledge and experience to build a community through photography, creating a space where people feel inspired, supported, and motivated to share their work. Mentoring and facilitating photography-related activities and events would inspire me and provide additional learning opportunities.”
Pay it forward
“I would organise regular activities such as photo walks, displays and workshops. I aim to create a space where photographers can learn from one another, receive feedback, and develop their own creative voice, while also mentoring those just starting. I definitely see myself continuing to expand my photography studies.”
While it may seem like a solo activity, just you and your camera, photography is very much a collaborative experience. Whether you are in a studio with a team, on the road with your assistants or indeed, spreading positivity to your environment like Edina, it is a people’s passion.
And more power to you Edina – your generosity promises to make the world a kinder and much more interesting place to be.
