It’s been awhile since I’ve used this blog and a lot has changed since my last post in April 2016. I’ve decided to learn more about photography and will be joining the creative teams at De Montfort University in October. Since finishing photography courses at college (2 years ago) there has been a gap, I feel the need to learn more and in a structured way. As I learn, I’ll be sharing ideas and projects here, at TJRFoto and formally at my website.
I enjoy reading about photography & taking photographs because of their ability to communicate ideas, stories & emotions without conversation or spoken language. I find it necessary to photograph because I enjoy the process & satisfaction that I am creating something unique with meaning which can last. For example, I searched for additional meaning in my own work. Charles Grogg has said that damaging or altering his photographs bring his attention to them once again” (Regrowth: 2012).
In his images, he manipulates printed photographs adding connotations to his original work. In “Road to Nowhere“, I damaged a set of photos & reshot the results. Both projects talk about changes & opportunities we face & the piece encourages me to develop myself.
My work is personal & expressive (and sometimes I’m screaming). I like to work on topics, which have deeper meaning.
For “Here I Am“, you are invited into comfort zones. As I saw the public respond to these images when they were exhibited in 2014, I found myself in agreement that photography encourages voyeurism. I will ask people why they like photographs & some cannot answer the question, yet there they are, looking at Photographs.
My work: “Self Harm” divides an individual into two separate selves; The resulting domestic violence photographs show that self-harm is real harm and aggression, there is a victim & a perpetrator. “The Pernicious Periodic” is a narrative of despair & the desire to change. It is a parody of Dash Snow in a bathtub filled with Polaroid photographs.
Photographs (stories) are being created in such a specific way, which persuades you into a similar way of thinking (or arguing) about the content. I enjoy the apparent permanence of Photography & when I read about its impact through history & in modern society, I am stimulated into creating my own work, that provides a platform to highlight subjects, which concern me.
I also enjoy photography to reflect on myself, some of my work is autobiographical. Photography is interesting because it’s language is universal & speaks to people from all backgrounds & abilities. My favourite photographers change over time, however core examples are: Phillip Toledano, Richard Billingham, Robbert Mapplethorpe, Steven Klein, David Lachapelle and Wolfgang Tillmans.
Photographs have changed my perspective on the world, I am gladly surprised what hidden meanings can be found in them.
More?
- Without My Eye
- Why Photography?
- My life is about to change
- Photographers Interview
- Photographer’s Interview Part II
- Photographs which should have been.
Find me online:
- Portfolio: TomRobson.com
- Twitter: @tjrfoto
- Instagram: tjrfoto
Tom Robson 
