Considering sequence

As part of my work towards submission for assignment 2 – collecting, i consider how i might sequence the series of 6 to 12 photographs. I considered how I selected the sequence for assignment 1 the square mile. The sequence was based on a simple rule; group the photographs in pairs to emphasize the chosen theme “Edinburgh at work and play”. For assignment 2 I will invest some thought into possibly more sophisticated sequencing.

To date my thoughts on creating a sequence for a series of photographs, could in my opinion, be described as limited and one dimensional. As evidenced in Exercise 1.4 Frame. In this series the sequence was based on geometric logic and symmetry. Following the brief for this exercise I  took 9 shots, each with concentration on a separate section of the viewfinder ( 3*3 grid ). I sequenced the shots mapping directly to the sections where the shot concentrated which i presented in a 3 * 3 grid eg shot with concentration on bottom left corner was placed bottom left in the sequence. This seemed logical and so for me has a merit.

The question I ask myself here however is; does a less logically ordered sequence have more merit or in other words is there some other way to sequence which has more merit?

The original sequence here :-

I researched methods of sequencing a series of photographs and found the following useful insights for consideration from Holly Stuart Hughes. THE ART AND PROCESS OF SEQUENCING PHOTO BOOKS. (2018);

“If you simply select the best 50 images in a series, it’s not an interesting book, because the tension in the photos is always the same,”

“Like in a film or a novel, you have to build up to the tension and then you need to release the tension.”

Considering both points above regarding building tension through not always having the best shots in the series and treating the the series like a film or novel, I reworked the sequencing for Exercise 1.4 Frame, as shown below.

Additionally an added improvement to increased tension and release with this sequence is achieved by presenting as 3 tryptichs rather than the 3 * 3 grid. This helps emphasize the narrative arc I chose for the sequence; to have two shots of journey leading to some reward in the 3rd shot of each group.

I have been collecting a number of shots for assignment 2 for which I have considered possible sequencing. However will consider again in the light of this research.

References

Holly Stuart Hughes. 2018. THE ART AND PROCESS OF SEQUENCING PHOTO BOOKS. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.pdnonline.com/features/photo-books/art-process-sequencing-photo-books/#gallery-1. [Accessed 27 January 2019].