I have been reflecting on Behind the Image and pulling out a few things that seemed to particularly resonate. I am intrigued by the framework they propose as it has a definite crossover with other research approaches I have used. It is obviously not going to be appropriate for every situation but it does provide a useful structure for thinking about my photography as it develops.

Fox and Caruana (2012) suggest that the key elements in developing a photography project proposal are:

• The title
• The topic or theme
• The intended audience
• Approach and methods
• Gaining access
• Proposals for funding
• Timetable and budget
• Proposed research references

While in many ways when you look at these elements they seem self-evident I can fully understand that some aspects could be forgotten as the work progresses. Something that should probably be obvious but was a useful reminder is that, ‘simple as it may seem, a title is vital and reveals more about a project than you may imagine.’  (Fox & Caruana, 2012: 12)

I am going to try this approach out on some of the Art of Photography exercises and assignments.

References:

Fox, A., & Caruana, N. (2012). Behind the Image: Research in photography. Lausanne, Switzerland: AVA Publishing SA.