Task: Other than photography, what art forms and creative media do you take inspiration from? How have you directly drawn from non-photographic disciplines to develop your practice? How would you describe the distinctive, essential qualities of photography? Are any of these characteristics the reason for you choosing it as your means of expression?
From an early age, I drew inspiration from cinema. When younger, it was the stunning vistas of David Lean in films such as Laurence of Arabia. Later, Jane Campion in the The Piano. As my focus in photography shifted from landscape to urban environments, films such as Blade Runner with its dystopic colour grading, back-lighting and futuristic cyberpunk aesthetic dominated my photographic influence. Most recently two films have inspired and influenced my aesthetic and approach to the creation of drama within the frame of my images. Firstly Dune (2021) whose cinematographer Greig Fraser has managed to create a mythological aesthetic that has transcended the current genre of science fiction cinema. Finally, Joker (2019) where Laurence Sher its cinematographer shunned the CGI aesthetic, to create authentic film scenes based on exquisite colour grading and lighting.
In my own work, especially within urban environments, I have drawn heavily from these cinematic aesthetics. Colour grading, backlighting, liminal spaces, ambiguous and threatening shadows, and reflections have all served to help create my desired final image. Some examples are shown below:
I believe the distinctive essential qualities of photography can be grouped as follows:
- Composition
- Storytelling
- Moment
- Mood
Most of my work to date has used three of these extensively. Namely composition, moment, and mood. I try to incorporate all three in each of my images but do not always achieve this in practice. However, I have struggled to bring storytelling into my images and have floundered when attempting a body of work that has a strong narrative and is seen by viewers as having meaning.
I recognise this as a weakness in my practice in which documentary work both short-form and long-form has remained totally undeveloped. It is through the experience and learning outcomes of the MA that I hope this skill will develop and flourish.
The Photography of David Rosen 