This week, the assignment is "Cinema Vérité" (Cinema Verite for
those with font display problems). This is a style from movies that
emphasizes a confrontational, heightened realism method of documentary
imagery, done with light weight, and very mobile equipment. Those of you
who would like to research a bit, look up the work of directors Jean-Luc
Godard, Claude Lelouch, or some of the other French New Wave movement.
This style still survives into modern films, and is often copied. On the
still photography front, this style is similar to the work of some early
Magnum photographers, especially those whose images gave the viewer the
feeling of being a part of the scene.

So as far as guidelines (no rulz really), the light weight on the go
method means no tripods. Black and White film would be fine, but colour
images can work equally well. Wide angle views would work well, though
even a properly done telephoto shot can tell a story, and involve and
engage the viewer. Try not to take the "confrontational" aspect of the
definition too literally, and try not to get in trouble, or injured . .
. take a lesson from Robert Capa, and do not get too close to your work.

Try to tell a story in the one image you finally submit.

The only other guideline is that I really want you to think about your
images. There is no race to see who can post something faster, so I
would like to not see any images until this time next week, at the
soonest. Shoot at least one roll of film, or one memory card full, and
review those images to choose the one you feel best meets the
assignment.

So, that's it. I am sure you are all ready to get out there and start on
this, and damn glad this lecture is coming to a close. Have fun out
there. If you have any questions, you can find me in my office.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat

NOTE: Archived images denoted with an asterisk (*)