Research Methods: Dissertation Proposal

According to the powerpoint we have been given to help us with this module, the key points to consider when creating a good dissertation are: 

Originality
"This is the major factor that will make your topic attractive and acceptable. Originality in a dissertation, however, need not mean coming up with an idea that has never been thought of before – though if you can do this, of course, it is definitely to your advantage! Most dissertations rely on originality of approach and/or perspective rather than a completely original topic, as in most cases, especially within the Arts, these are almost impossible to find." - http://www.ukessays.com/

Critical analysis
"One of the most important skills you will need to learn as a student, whatever your discipline is the ability to think critically and objectively about an issue and to present a well-constructed argument." - http://www.palgrave.com/skills4study

Appropriate style of language and format
Obviously this is important due to the professional standard of a dissertation, You must apply a more formal approach. It is also important aspect of it to present an argument/analysis that can easily be digested and understood

Development of a coherent argument
This seems like the most important point to consider as it covers the main body, if not all of your dissertation. A coherent argument will allow you and the reader to understand points you are making and opinions you have formed throughout your research and any conclusions you have come to. It will also help with layout and design.

Questions to be answered 

What are you interested in?
Aside from the obvious of photography, I have a passion for watching films, writing poetry and short stories, listening to music and editing the photos I take. I only like to edit towards what you could call an "obvious" edit or will edit as fixes if the photos were shot for a client. However, as a rule I prefer to leave the shot as clean as when it was taken. I like to see photography as capturing something, so do not see much in editing it. On the other hand, photo manipulation is another of my hobbies, I view it as taking a photo and using to create something new entirely. Live music is something I thoroughly enjoy and I regularly attend festivals and concerts, on top of this, I also enjoy experimenting with make up and costume, I feel I have my own unique style. Both of these things have heavily influenced my work along with things such as the beauty and simplicity of nature, experimenting with light and the idea of juxtaposition.

What kind of work do you hope to be doing next year?
In the next few years, I would really like to get into events photography, in particular photographing bands at live gigs and festivals. I love the idea of capturing the atmosphere of a scene or event, and have always been drawn to event photography for this reason. I am also really drawn towards fashion and editorial photography and am hoping to get into working with models a lot more than I have in the past as I feel this would push me out of my comfort zone and help me with confidence issues and approaching people. The photography work that I like most tends to be candid and natural shots, rather than anything posed, although I would like to be part of convincing people that photography is an art rather than a documenting process.

What is it that interests me?
PHOTOGRAPHY! In particular events photography and photojournalism. Capturing an event - the atmosphere of it, the beauty, the experience, the events leading up to and creating the image. Allowing people who were not there to experience it just as much as those who were. Art and documentation all in one. Music and the atmosphere it creates, the experience of seeing a live band, the feeling behind it from both the audience and the members, the niche it creates, yet also the idea of broadening out those target audiences. Fashion; make up and costume, creating a story through imagery and how something looks. Reading, writing, sharing my experiences and being able to see others through their work, CREATING ART.


Who are the key practitioners in this area?
Events photography/ photojournalism -
Carol Guzy
Steve McCurry
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Malcolm Brown
Murray Becker

Carol Guzy

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Fashion/make up photography -
Nick Knight
Mario Testino
Rankin
Annie Leibovitz
Terry Richardson

Annie Leibovitz

Nick Knight

How can I find out more about them?
Using the internet, Google is a very easy way to find out information. Wikipedia can be useful, there are also, of course, their personal websites (e.g. http://nickknight.com/main.html). On top of this there are fan sites and FaceBook pages. There are also photography magazines and books available in the university library that could possibly give me more information.

What Internet sites will help me in my research? (List 8)
-Google (Scholar)
-Wikipedia
-Facebook (fan pages)
-Flickr pages/groups
-Personal websites of photographers I admire
-www.walesphotographer.co.uk

-Aperture.org
-Webites like Pinterest/Tumblr

What Books/Magazines will help me in my research? (List 5)
-Vogue/Harper's Bazaar
-The Polaroid Book
-American Photo
-Photo Inspiration: Secrets Behind Stunning Images
-The Best Camera