Always Follow Ur Dreams!! – some test image/text combinations

I have been feeling my way with this project. I have started by identifying some  events/places where I feel that an image/text combination would provide an interesting reflection on immigration in the London’s East End. I have then conducted desk research for some suitable text. Armed with the text my challenge is then to photograph the location in an interesting and visually compelling way.

I have found that using reliable sources for text data which can be referenced to an original work/document/set of records adds an air of authenticity to the presentation. The text is presented as a matter of record….albeit all records might be challenged and some simply record the opinions of those who wrote them. The challenge is to come up with text which works in parallel to the visual image as an independent stream of information. It should be sufficiently open to allow the viewer to use their imagination when interpreting the text alongside the image. My hope is that new meanings are prompted by the image/text combination rather than meaning being closed off or anchored by the text.

Here are three early attempts….it occurs to me that once I have got an image/text combination I am happy with I will probably have to return to the location many times to get the image I want….right mood, quality of light, and so on. Also I really want my images of urban landscape/building facades to be completely devoid of people – offering them as empty stages into which the viewer can project their own ‘characters’. This is easier said than done….London is a busy place.

Here are the three test image/text pairs: