blogPAL Gareth visits the Department

Gareth Bright [GB] made a presentation yesterday at the Department for staff and students.  On osmosisPROJECTS, GB has been sharing his images and travel destinations since February. Yesterday having his presence in the real rather than virtual was a reminder, that no matter how accessible and 'wonderful' technology is nowadays for keeping in contact, exchanging and communicating_ conversing with someone at face value is still the most engaging. GB kindly 'dumped' all his images, video's and some movies from his presentation onto my desktop to share with you_ I will put these on the 'Botswana' external harddrive (password Gaborone). 

 •

This post is all about saying a big THANK_YOU & a SIYABONGA (Zulu) & a DANKIE (Afrikaans) to Gareth for taking the time to come and visit and share your 'way with Photography' with us, before you leave for Bangkok in the next two days.

I am including some of my favourite images from Gareth's collection and some comments made from students (who I will leave anonymous for ethical reasons). I am constantly trying to urge students to leave comments on my Blogs (some students would most probably agree that the word force is more appropriate)... but I am still puzzeled by their reluctance...I am trying to understand why when someone gives or shares something with you, one is unable to articulate your thoughts, or openly show a gesture of appreciation with text. For me it's like acknowledging the person and their endeavors, for example it's like saying thank-you or glad to meet you or thank-you for coming or thank you for sharing!

Anyway here are typed out (by me) responses from some of the written responses I asked students to write about straight after the presentation.

•

I asked the students to "Please write down your thoughts" on:

1> What did you like about the session?

• To hear about other Photographers experiences. 

• It was interesting to hear from some one our own age

• Gareth is seriously interesting 

• Gave an idea of what was is happening in other countries

• eye opener

• His Photographs and engaging conversations about his work

• it was informing, an eye opener and intriguing 

• I learn't alot about documentary photography

• Thought provoking and interesting

• The way he interacts with people of other races_ how he captured the moment without being too emotional.

2> What did you not like about the session?

• the aircon 

• the sound

• the projector

• class was rowdy

• someones smelly feet

• class figidty

• little long_ need a break in between

• class disrespectful_ on cell phones

• I am scared to work as as War Photographer, you can easily die.

• the emotions from the images_ I am an emotional person

3> Do you have any suggestions for other visits from Photographers?

Tyrone Bradley

Liam Lynch

Paul Weinburg

Kevin Goss Ross

Jacki Bruniquel

Black Photographers

Roy Reed

4> What can I use from this session?

• The insight of looking at things in a different way

• the idea of putting aside all your fears and following your passion

• enjoy your trip and good luck in the future 

• one should think about a persons dignity and try to portray them positively not negatively

• improve Photographic skills

• incorporate video into my work

• different perspective to fuel my B&W Photography

• being open minded to my surroundings & looking at it from a different perspective_making photo/video

• I should go out there and do research and come up with good ideas_ I should inform myself with whats happening around me.

• being a photographer doesn't mean I can't do video_ I am going to try video. 

• Makes me think and look about where I am going to once I leave the Department.

• Gareth's encouragement

• Your will power, and the passion you have in Photography_ I would like to instill that in me one day.

• A deeper appreciation of my surroundings and to look at it from a different perspective.

• Use tools like writing and internet

• must multi-task and try to be more unique

• views of what a travelling photographer gets to experience 

5> Message to Gareth:

• Keep it up_ amazing Talent

• Can you invite me when you are travelling?

• You've been a great inspiration and motivation for me to get out of the rut and explore life

• Please come again

• invite me on Facebook

• keep up motivating aspiring photographers

• I like the way you can live with different places with different people and their cultures

• Please please please can I tag along

• Lovely to hear you still use film_ you are very talented_ look forward to seeing more of your work.

• Thanks for wisdom and advice :)

• Keep doing what you doing

• Bring more of your work_mwah :)

• Come back and keep us updated

☕