Definitions - Methods and Meaning

 

‘Methods’ – processes within various stages of photographic practices, from research and planning, the point of capture, to the choice of output and dissemination.

These, in themselves, should not be confused with ‘methodology’, which is a common mistake.
‘Methodology’ is not a technique or a practical process itself but refers to the system or application of methods and the analysis and discussion around the implication of a particular system.
Fig. 2 Kwame Brathwaite Harlem (c. 1970)
 

Secondly, it is important not to confuse methods or methodology with ‘concept’. People can make the mistake of saying things like ‘the concept behind my work is to take portraits of people on the street without warning or without permission.’ That isn’t correct. A set of pictures made in this manner will demonstrate a methodology but it is not the same thing as a ‘concept.’

 

The ‘concept’ behind such a body of work, could be varied, and in fact, fairly limitless.
‘Concept’ is really about describing and defining the rationale, the intention, purpose or even a retrospective analysis of that methodology. Concept can refer to the intention of the photographer usually, but not always, at the outset of a project.

 

In commercial terms, we could refer to a client’s brief as the concept: what is trying to be achieved here...?)
 

The ‘concept’ of a body of work is usually expressed or articulated in an artist’s statement or statement of intent, gallery press release or, in the case of a photobook, maybe an essay that contextualises the project. Concepts behind photographic projects – and it’s important
to bear in mind plurality here – are not always defined at the outset but instead often form over time and through ongoing commitment to a project and critical reflection on it. It’s important to stress that following your interests, instincts and intuitions with a camera in yours hands and trying out different methods, but with no particular objective or concept
(yet...), is a perfectly acceptable way to start working on a project or building a body of work. It’s ok, as Victor Burgin said, to:
“Shoot first, ask questions later.”
 

(Victor Burgin [1998] in CAMPANY, 2003: 281)