PRISMA Issue 5

by:AlexandraGodfrey

INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF PRISMA

PhotographyEditor: Lucile Belorgey

SeasideSpring:Gillette celebrates the arrival of spring, with its abundance of flora and fauna She explores close-up photography as a method of capturing the hidden beauty and complexity in natural structures.

The Bunker: The destruction of a beach bunker causes Violeta Vigo to reflect on the Spanish Civil War, and how photography preserves the tragic but vital memories when the physical remainders are slowly being lost.

Volunteering in France: Alexandra Godfrey reflects on a week of volunteering in France over Easter with the charity HCPT She explores the role of photography in capturing memories and feelings of joy.

Local Photojournalism: Inspired by a course on photojournalism, Vinning explores the local community of St Andrews. Her photographs aim to capture their day-to-day lives and histories of their businesses

Bike Stories: McDonald’s bicycle series highlights the abundance of cyclists in Oxford, a ‘cycling city’. In the editing process she uses a variety of colours to highlight their position within the landscape

Springtime Birds: Charlotte Davies explores the local wildlife of St Andrews in the spring As a part of her dissertation, she worked with photography to study bird behaviour and can now share the results.

TheEditorialTeam

Editor-in-Chief-LouiseAnderbjörk

DeputyEditor-in-Chief-EleanorReid

PhotographyEditor-LucileBelorgey

EditorialEditor-AlexandraGodfrey

PhotographyEditor-CharlotteDavies

CopyEditor-RosieLeeson

MediaManager-MaggieZhu

editor@prismamagazine.co.uk

Photo:EmiliaGillette

Photo:AlexandraGodfrey

Photo:HarrySparke

Photo:LouisaMcDonald

Photo:CharlotteDavies

Photo:VioletaVigo

Photo: Louise Anderbjörk

PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE NEWS

EditorialEditor:Alexandra Godfrey

ALEXANDRA GODFREY

Just as most artistic hobbies and professions, photography, and photojournalism, allow for the exploration of creative thinking, and the connection between imagery and the world, whether that be social, political, or otherwise The purpose of photo stories, as well as editorial photography, is to convey emotion of an event or narrative It offers a way to explore creativity and familiarity when educating a reader Not only does an image allow for a greater visual understanding of the world being depicted through the literature, but it also allows for a more sensitive connection to a subject. It tells a story in levels of detail that writing may struggle to do Think back to any news article you may have read in the past year relating to natural disasters, poverty or illness One of the first things that comes to mind is likely to be a touching photograph of such events across the world. These images are ingrained in our heads, in a way which is much more significant and emotional than words on a page. Yes, writing can offer a narrative, and each individual may create images in their mind of what a scenario may look like But, photography acts as a middle-man between the writing and the imagination It does not take away the readers’ ability to form their own opinion or create an image, rather, it acts as a stepping stone. From the photographs the audience sees, they continue reading, forming other scenes and actions with the base formed by the imagery provided on the paper, or attached to the article. Alongside this, the photos attached tend to play on emotions, specific sensitivities of the general population As a skill often used in marketing, writers may choose photos which tug at heart strings, sensitive subjects which will compel the audience and leave an image ingrained in their memory. Writers and photographers alike do this to portray a potentially emotional and important subject with significance and power. Topics and events, specifically relating to advocacy and awareness, will incorporate imagery to ensure infliction of interest upon the readers and encourage talk concerning the subject This highlights one of the aspects of photography that the viewer, still, has to be mindful of: the ability of a photo to tell a story partially. It is easy to assume that a photograph always is a true and complete depiction of a situation, as it is supposed to be an objective snapshot of time However, through composition techniques, subject choice and advanced editing software, photos can also be arranged and altered to tell only one side of a story that has many narratives to give

Nevertheless, as long as one is aware of the subjectivity behind a single photo, photography is a powerful tool to make a scene speak A photo makes a story stand out from the page and is often used by reporters to create a precedent for a story. Photography in the news allows for inspiration and the use of powerful, memorable imagery The focus of news writing tends to be to educate and increase awareness of events or differing opinions and experiences; photography goes hand-in-hand with that. Take any university for example. Some schools, and towns, at all levels, offer newspaper and writing opportunities In St Andrews, for instance, our local student-run paper incorporates art and photography into, nearly, every article produced and published. Especially in recent years, the photography scene of St Andrews has grown to hold a central role in the making of reviews, news reports and event coverage within the student community Not only is it eye-catching, but it draws attention to specific pieces which may be of interest to each specific reader. Next time you are flipping through a paper, think, which articles stand out the most to you? Those with, or without photography within them?

Photo:AlexandraGodfrey

Photo: Alexandra Godfrey

PHOTO STORIES

A SEASIDE SPRING CLOSE-UP

PhotographyEditor:Charlotte Davies

EMILIA GILLETTE

St Andrews has wholeheartedly welcomed spring, with lengthening days and a sun slowly regaining its warmth. As an exchange student it has been a privilege to not only attend this university and make life-long friends, but to photograph a landscape full of plant and animal species I had never seen before A passing glance on a spring day reveals vibrant colours blooming across the town, particularly near the sea shore where yellow flowers contrast against the blue of the sea and the green of the cliffs. A 20-minute walk into town is ever more fulfilling with the cherry blossoms, rose bushes, and other flora in full bloom I love how photography reveals a perspective to nature not readily visible at a passing glance One might see a flower on a walk and not realize the amount of detail hidden by distance. Close-up photos reveal the beauty captured in the detail and stillness of a moment. They show afternoon light illuminating petals, veins running along a leaf, and small anthers on a blooming flower. With exams, finals, and dissertation deadlines approaching, the beauty found in the simplicity of a flower, a wave crashing against the shore, or a seabird flying overhead are grounding So, for your next study break, take a walk and remember to not only smell the roses, but take a picture and discover a hidden lattice of structure, colour, and previously unseen details. While the presence of spring in town signifies new beginnings, my time at St Andrews is in fact coming to an end. So to the people I will shortly be leaving behind, know that I will always recall our time together when cherry blossoms and daffodils bloom again

Photo:EmiliaGillette

Photo:EmiliaGillette

Photo:EmiliaGillette

StAndrewsSpring Flowers

Photo: Emilia Gillette

PHOTO STORIES

THE COLLAPSE OF A BUNKER

PhotographyEditor:Charlotte Davies

VIOLETA VIGO

These photographs are taken from a 90-year-old bunker situated in Guadalquiton beach, known among locals as Bunker beach, in Sotogrande, Spain. I took these photographs a few months before winter storms and repeated crashing of waves caused the collapse of the concrete The bunker that had given this beach its name, that held memory of the Spanish civil war, had fallen at the coast it was once built to guard. This unexpected wreckage inspired me to revisit the significance of this location and its history. At the time of taking the photographs I was soaking in the crude beauty of the site; a time capsule, with barbed wire and hard concrete contrasting a peaceful landscape of untamed nature Whilst I recognized its history, it was not until this bunker was destroyed that I understood the value it had possessed. Structures like these act as an anti-war symbol as they help us remember the impact of the Civil War on Costa del Sol, tragedies which receive far less recognition than, for example, the Guernica in Andalusia We also commemorate other fragments of Spanish Civil War history specific to this location, such as the refuge that the “Campo de Gibraltar” proposed for thousands of republican families fleeing the repression of Francoism. The physical proof of the civil war’s effect on the Mediterranean coast is disappearing with time, furthering the concern of the detachment that many Spaniards feel towards the collective memory of the war and this portion of Spain’s history I am grateful I happened to photograph this bunker whilst it was still whole

Photo:VioletaVigo

Photo:VioletaVigo

Photo:VioletaVigo

BunkerBeach, Sotogrande,Spain

Photo: Violeta Vigo

VOLUNTEERING IN FRANCE

PhotographyEditor:Charlotte Davies

ALEXANDRA GODFREY

This photo story is inspired by the incredible journeys of the children in Group 77 of HCPT who traveled this past Easter week. Their smiles and vibrant personalities are shown through this collection of photos HCPT is a British charity which have worked to facilitate Easter travels for disadvantaged children to Lourdes, France, since its start in 1956. This close knit community welcomes anyone and everyone, and aims to introduce the children to new cultures and friends in a safe and comfortable environment. Not only does this offer the opportunity for children to have a fully funded holiday, but it allows for relationship building with the various helpers traveling During Easter week, I, and many other volunteers, traveled in Group 77 alongside thousands of other people in their respective groups from around the world. I met some very generous people - teachers, nurses, students alike - who volunteered their Easter vacation to create an enjoyable and cheerful holiday for the kids. Through these photos I hope to illustrate the overwhelming sense of love felt throughout this week I hope to portray the joy of the children, and the pride of the helpers as the children slowly, but surely, opened up to one another to show their loving, caring selves. Spending a week with people you barely know may seem daunting, but the visible growth of the children, and the impact these experiences have on them, certainly makes it worthwhile. Just as was said to the children dreading the goodbyes at the end of the week, “a hard goodbye signifies a great week full of lasting memories where lifelong friendships have formed”

PHOTO STORIES

Photo:AlexandraGodfrey

Photo:AlexandraGodfrey

Photo:AlexandraGodfrey

Volunteeringin Lourdes,France

Photo: Alexandra Godfrey

PHOTO STORIES

LOCAL PHOTOJOURNALISM

PhotographyEditor:Charlotte Davies

CAROLINE VINNING

Dotted along the streets of St. Andrews are the local businesses which have stood the test of time, tourists, and transition. This winter, I took a National Geographic photocourse on telling the story of “Your Place”, which inspired me to document some of the people and stories which are easy to overlook as a university student in the town. I spoke with and photographed two locals in particular: William (Bill) Anderson and Pat Doods. Pat Doods is a native St. Andrean who runs the Harbour Cafe in the St. Andrews harbour. Her late husband was a fisherman here and Pat continues to play an active role in the harbour life by helping to raise and lower the bridge to let boats through The Cafe, which is a go-to spot for fishermen and tourists alike, will celebrate its 40th anniversary this summer. Up the cathedral hill at the end of Market Street sits Bouquiniste, a rare and secondhand bookshop. The shop, owned and run by Bill Anderson, has one year on Pat’s cafe. While Bouquiniste may not be able to challenge bookstore chains in size, it has an idiosyncratic collection ranging from classics to local history The Harbour Cafe and Bouquinsite, and by extension Pat and Bill, are part of the fabric of St Andrews. Local businesses reveal what a town values and for St. Andrews, a well-priced bacon roll and rare books clearly have staying power. It is truly exiting to use photography as a tool for journalism in a local setting. The stories and accounts that unfold when interacting with the locals and photographing their everyday is such an eye opening and rewarding experience

Photo:CarolineVinning

Photo:CarolineVinning

Photo:CarolineVinning

Photojournalismin StAndrews

Photo: Caroline Vinning

PHOTO STORIES

THE STORIES TOLD BY BIKES

PhotographyEditor:Charlotte Davies

LOUISA MCDONALD

My hometown of Oxford is known for being a cycling city full of life. From students wobbling across the city on cheap rental bikes, to accomplished cyclists clad in Lycra zipping through the streets, there is no doubt that the abundance of bicycles is part of what gives Oxford its distinctive charm In my series of photographs, I have tried to capture the way in which bicycles shape Oxford’s character as a city, as well as the lives of those who call it home. I have edited the colours in the photographs to reflect the various meanings bicycles can take on in different landscapes and in different people’s lives: some are entirely black and white, others are entirely in colour, and some are a mixture of both I also like to work with various locations, as to make the photographs also reflect the different landscapes within Oxford itself. Some photos were taken in the centre of town, others were taken in and around Summertown, a lively suburb to the North of the city. Moreover, most of these photographs were taken during the pandemic; when the city had otherwise begun to feel lifeless Cycling remained a way for people to escape the monotony of life under lockdown When you get used to living in the city, bicycles become such a common sight that they can fade into the background; yet it is precisely when we take a step back from everyday objects and examine them more closely that their aesthetic and cultural significance becomes apparent. Objects are never merely objects: they acquire meaning in virtue of function, history, and tradition

Photo:LouisaMcDonald

Photo:LouisaMcDonald

Photo:LouisaMcDonald

Thestoryofa bikein

Oxford

Photo: Louisa McDonald

PHOTO STORIES

SPRINGTIME BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY

PhotographyEditor:Charlotte Davies

CHARLOTTE DAVIES

St Andrews really delivers when it comes to wildlife, and this afternoon in early April didn’t disappoint. Goldcrests are teeny tiny birds that are resident in the UK yearround. They are iconically cute, and have been a personal favourite of mine for many years As we approach spring and the days become longer, and the light starts to be much more forgiving for photography, we start to be able to go into the cover of trees and still have enough ambient light for a decent photo. So it was inevitably time to try to photograph some Goldcrests (and procrastinate writing my dissertation).Weighing in at only 5g, and preferring to sit towards the top of tall Pine trees, these little birds can be incredibly difficult to capture on camera - they rarely sit still for more than a couple of seconds before flitting to another branch Quite often by the time you have wrenched your lens up to try to find it, they are already out of the viewfinder. But if you get your ear tuned in to their zipping call, and you stand still enough, you might just strike lucky. And that is exactly what happened the other week - voila, a very gorgeous Goldcrest who came to sit only a couple of metres off the forest floor at the St Andrews Botanic Gardens Usually that would be it - one strike of good luck per day - but an hour or so later, I was passing the last of the spring blossoms at the entrance to the garden and this Bullfinch appeared and started pecking through the blossom. So get out there and make the most of Spring and early Summer; this season brings so much wildlife to explore!

Photo:CharlotteDavies

Photo:CharlotteDavies

Photo:CharlotteDavies

WildlifeinSt

AndrewsBotanic Gardens

Photo: Charlotte Davies

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

PRISMA PHOTO COMPETITION

It is our pleasure to congratulate the winner of PRISMA's January Photo Competition: JacobCarey

"ThisphotowastakeninFlorenceduringthesummerof2022,lookingoverthepontevecchiobridgeinabeautifulmomentofsunset. To enter for your chance to be featured in our upcoming issue, submit a photo through the link on our social media!

Photo: Isabelle Molinari/Sarah Garde