Now that I've narrowed the subject matter down to people engaging in screen-based (mostly narrative-driven) activities, I have to deal with the technical realities of it. Many of these devices (mp3 players, cameras, portable gaming consoles & mobile phones) illuminate the face of the viewer. But not well enough for photography in the lighting conditions I want (dark, Crewsonesque). So I'm going to need to increase the radiant glow. This is what I will need:
- unwanted device bodies
- used disposable camera's (for the flash)
- someone on instructables, photojojo, makezine, or maybe even flickr groups to have already worked it out for me.
- some kind of diffusing system, probably gels too.
Or maybe a snoot or two will do the trick? I really want light to play a big part in this. I want it to be beautiful... not just a means to an end.
Time to experiment. And research... I'm sure this has been done countless times before.
Showing posts with label narrative. Show all posts
Showing posts with label narrative. Show all posts
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
Thursday, 3 April 2008
narrative or technology?
I'm writing my project proposal. My sister and friend are in the same room watching Buffy. It may seem ironic (or normal!), but I'm really struggling to distract myself from it, or perhaps not allow myself to become distracted.
Is it the pretty glow radiating from the screen? The engaging and attention seeking soundtrack? Or because (in JD from Scrubs' words), I'm a self-saboteur? Is it based in the opportunity for narrative absorption, escapism? If so, is it because we enjoy narrative, because it explores themes and issues that we all deal with, the human condition, and the writers have managed to make sense of it. There's resolution, motivation, reason. And a formula to boot. Answers, unfolding right in front of us. The alternative; life, is (seemingly) never-ending. We rarely experience the satisfaction of complete resolution. Narrative provides us with the satisfaction of resolution.
And if the desire for narrative is the main driving force behind our escapism tendencies, as opposed to the new opportunities provided by technology, then we have a long and complex history to deal with... perhaps beginning with the Dreamtime stories. But then you raise a whole new set of questions. Are stories created for entertainment or educational purposes?
Another series of issues to continue to explore.
Is it the pretty glow radiating from the screen? The engaging and attention seeking soundtrack? Or because (in JD from Scrubs' words), I'm a self-saboteur? Is it based in the opportunity for narrative absorption, escapism? If so, is it because we enjoy narrative, because it explores themes and issues that we all deal with, the human condition, and the writers have managed to make sense of it. There's resolution, motivation, reason. And a formula to boot. Answers, unfolding right in front of us. The alternative; life, is (seemingly) never-ending. We rarely experience the satisfaction of complete resolution. Narrative provides us with the satisfaction of resolution.
And if the desire for narrative is the main driving force behind our escapism tendencies, as opposed to the new opportunities provided by technology, then we have a long and complex history to deal with... perhaps beginning with the Dreamtime stories. But then you raise a whole new set of questions. Are stories created for entertainment or educational purposes?
Another series of issues to continue to explore.
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