#Phonar: Journey To Work
by Jessica Dowse
This is the first post in a series of a many. I have signed up to an open photography course online…that actually happens in real life at Coventry Uni.
It’s all about storytelling. I guess this is something that I’ve always had trouble with regarding photography…
The first task was to tell the story of your journey to work.
My journey takes two minutes….Past lots of Chinese guards who you’re not allowed to take photos of…and it’s all just concrete and dull.
So after two days of getting shouted at by the numerous men in uniform this is what I have. I’m not totally happy with it…but seen as one of the guards kind of suggested that he should take my camera today I’m giving up and quitting while I’m ahead!
Beijing 
This is great Jessica, lovely images under difficult circumstances by the sound of things.
I think this is a really strong set of images. I like the fact that the ‘restrictions’ you’ve been working under are manifesting in the images’ composition and structure. The ‘hints’ of guard are very compelling, second last image particularly, and there’s a sense of unease thats resulting that works for me.
Thanks a lot! Yeah, I think when you have less choices you tend to make better ones than perhaps you would have if the situation was better!
I love your first 3 shots. The whole sequence works really well in b&w (I think), but those first 3 shots really blend well with your backstory of local difficulties in photographing what you REALLY see.
And yet.. you’ve captured things you do see and maybe don’t think they are as ‘moment-able’.
Actually the second shot is my fav. Chinese guard partially obscured, vertical lines of the gate and vertical lines on tree bark. Well chosen 🙂
Thanks a lot! Appreciate the feedback.
Nice images sounds like you had a hard time trying to get the shots, can really sense that in the images
Thanks for your feedback- I really appreciate it!
These are some really beautiful images.
Why thank you!
Cool images! I like the composition in these and the forboding feeling.
cheers! Appreciate the feedback 🙂
Nice, really cool! I love your 2nd shot!
Thanks a lot 🙂
Hi Jessica, I like the shapes and the shadows. Very nice.
[…] Jessica Dowse […]
The absence in these images is very powerful when the circumstances have been taken into account. Admire you persistence. I’d like to see these images in colour to compare the feel of them. I do think they work better in black and white but would still be interesting to see.