As agreed with my tutor, I sent my first assignment off for feedback via email. This made it a lot easier for me to process any constructive criticism as it was in writing, rather than making quick notes from a phone or video call.

A summary of the areas for development and my strengths are as follows:

Strengths

– The blog shows a clear development process and presented well for the assessor (backward to linear logic).
– Well researched and applied walk around Square Mile.
– Some well-written image evaluations.
– Analysing images and how the interpretation emerges.

Areas for development

– Let context emerge and avoid illustrative photos.
– Show references, definitions and where you got them from.
– Avoid personal ‘feelings’ the viewer won’t have.
– Summarise research in blog, then reference in the assignment.
– Reference practical and technical tests in the write up.

Pointers for the next assignment

– Adopt a critical methodology to study images.
– Consider traditions: objectivity, ‘strait’ approach etc. informed by research/ photographers.

Reflection

Receiving written feedback has allowed me to sit down and review their advice properly, highlighting areas of improvement and strength, which in turn helped with the re-editing process and approaching the critique in small stages. The most common critique was to develop and expand on the points made in the text, as well as steering away from personal statements and focus on how the image is made formally. Getting straight to the point and avoid rambling, is another helpful point for clarity of the text.

Understanding what areas I am strong at is encouraging and settles some anxieties regarding my ability to succeed in this course. However, to be aware of the elements that need to be pushed and improved upon is just as important as the positive feedback, which I have discovered fairly quickly having reviewed my work after feedback. I have since made the necessary alterations to make sure I have a good chance of succeeding at the assessment which my tutor feels will be possible if the advice given is taken on board.