The Categories of 'Narrative'

• 'Tableau' or 'Tableau Vivant'

'Tableau' is the type of narrative in which is told through one image.

'Tableau Vivant' is actually a French phrase for 'Living Picture' and the usual occurrences apply to represent parties or gatherings in the 18th/19th Century. Today's photographic images usually consist of models/actors dressing up, using props, backgrounds and attempts of re-staging some of the most iconic imagery.

• 'Linear Narrative' or 'Non - Linear Narrative'

This structure is like the common story book with a beginning, middle then end. This is developmental in a passage of time, as time moves, so does the story. During films, parallel stories can run showing the same time-frame for the different characters.

'Non - Linear' structures are similar, except the screenwriter decides the narrative like a jigsaw puzzle. They control the information that the audience receives  when, how and in a specific order to keep the suspense.

• 'Circular Narrative'

To put it simply, a 'Circular Narrative' is a structure of a story in which ends where it began. The traditional plot is the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.

Circular Narrative Assignment

As a 2nd assignment, we've been given the task to create a 'Circular Narrative'. 
The basic structure of a 'Circular Narrative' is that the same footage (be this a photo or a clip/scene) is shown both at the beginning and the ending of the narrative at question. The parts in between act as the explanitory sequence in showing how it got to that particular state.

We were shown a few examples by Duane Michals, in which really helped me get to grips with what a 'Circular Narrative' was all about. On top of this, we discussed as a group the potential films that had such a structure.

My plan of action consists of researching the different structures and methods within the Narrative form, aswell as looking at particular photographers who use film as their influence and/or create narrative bodies of work. I will also watch some films to inspire my thought processes within my project.

Each person in the class were given a photo each, some were the same as they were given out at random but each had a number to them. I was given number 4.
My photo is a piece of glass (most likely a window) covered in rain drops, with an autumn leaf stuck on it. In the blurred background, it appears to be trees.

My initial thoughts were the possibilities of this. Whether I move inwards to the subject, or move outwards. I shall research into ideas and shots/angles in order to lay out my options.

'Chinese Whispers' Photographic style!

The first assignment we've been asked to complete is entitled 'Yet to be released'.
This is a group activity, in a sequential format of telling a story with photos.
All photos must be 'open ended' in terms of a narrative style of image; they must also connect with the photo you have been sent.

Rules of play:
1. Students will get 1 day to either capture, gather or collate their own personal image.
2. Students must write a brief synopsis why they have chosen such an image and what the intention of such photograph is.
3. We must print out the image and synopsis.
4. Both print outs should be placed into the envelope, ready to hand in.
5. Each student must email the next student with ONLY the photo found/created in turn.
6. No discussion must be made throughout the procedure. (I shall make a draft post when it's my turn and publish it, once the assignment is complete)

This is a very interesting approach to creating a narrative. I like the idea that the images can be existing; yes it can take the pressure off trying to create one; but it overall, even with creating a new image, it certainly provides a knowledgeable exploration into thinking of which type of photograph is suitable to become adjacent to the previous image. It gets the gears going, makes you think.

I think this task will become very key towards working within a narrative concept.

Narrative Presents..

The first module of the second year is based on Narrative..

nar·ra·tive

 Origin: 1555–65; < Latin narrātīvus suitable for narration.
noun
- a story or account of events, experiences, or the like,whether true or fictitious.
- a book, literary work, etc., containing such a story.
- the art, technique, or process of narrating: SomersetMaugham was a master of narrative.


adjective
- consisting of or being a narrative: a narrative poem.
- of or pertaining to narration: narrative skill.
- Fine Arts . representing stories or events pictorially orsculpturally: narrative painting. Compare anecdota.