From day one of our photography course, there was a huge importance placed on the Visual Diary. What is it, we wondered? How do we create it? “Do whatever works for you”, we were told, “just remember to submit it as a PDF”.
What is a Visual Diary?
It is a hugely beneficial document for you as you learn, record and document your work. Although it is a required element of your studies, it is as much for you as for anyone else.
It will contain information that reflects your personal development such as your processes, methodology and even your strengths, challenges, frustrations and successes. Everything relates to your own experiences.
Getting started with your Visual Diary
There is certain criteria and information that needs to be included in your Visual Diary. Once you include this, you can use your Visual Diary to document your work and development, and also as a diary with images.
I’ll be honest, writing up my Visual Diary was sometimes a tall order. That said, my advice is don’t let your Visual Diary slip. Make entries as often as you can, and as soon after an experience as you can.
Sometimes, I use my smart phone to take notes. This includes everything from framing, lighting styles, locations or scenes in movies. Even text from novels, lyrics from songs go into my notebook. I also use applications such as Pocket and Evernote to bookmark articles.
When I am shooting for clients or for myself, I find that I learn a lot and I note these. Did I need or use a tripod? Did I wear the correct clothes for the weather? How did I communicate or put my subject at ease?
What originally seemed to be a chore quickly becomes a source of reference and inspiration. Remember, if you’re still unsure, check out examples of visual diaries in the Forum area of the Online Learning Centre or ask your tutor.
Write about your challenges and learn from them
Situations out of your control will bring challenges; mistakes can and most likely will be made. When you hope for sun, it may rain. Or perhaps you don’t plan and your camera batteries are depleted after a few shots.
From day one, I did things incorrectly and I had my fair share of setbacks. Equipment failed and weather changed dramatically at critical times; overnight, an intended project location became a crime scene. Although I didn’t appreciate it at the time, events such as these were of huge benefit to me in the long-term.
If you document and acknowledge your challenges, you will be much less likely to repeat them in the future. The best photographer in the world cannot change the weather but having a plan to allow for this means they can work around the majority of setbacks. So use your Visual Diary to turn your mistakes into a positive learning experience.
Preparing your Visual Diary for submission
Organise the content in a chronological structure and include a contents page if you’re using chapters.
Your Visual Diary needs to be submitted as a PDF which is possible with most software. If you are familiar with MS Word, try starting with this and set-up your page in landscape orientation as this is best for images.
Your Visual Diary will be a lifelong friend
I hope this has helped you understand how a Visual Diary can and will help you, beyond it being a course requirement. Incidentally, long after I finished my course, I continue to use a Visual Diary and I still refer to my first ever one.
I’d love to hear examples of how your Visual Diary has helped you. For a quick overview of getting started on your own Visual Diary, have a look at the blog post “10 Top Tips for Creating Your Visual Diary”.