Subject: Gary Gourlay
The writing highlighted in blue is Gary's response to my observations.
Photo one:
This photo was one of the first one’s I studied. Comparing this to the others, it’s the only photo where Gary is actually on his own, giving us an inclination into how socially active he really is. This may be because he prefers being in large groups or the simple reason that he doesn’t like to be on his own. He seems quite content, from his wide smile that I later, picked up on throughout all his photos. He seems comfortable in his surroundings and for his picture to be taken. From this conclusion it is probably a family member preferably a parent, enjoying some quality playtime with their son.
While conferring with Gary he thinks it would be his mum taking the picture, he agrees he is always with people. I was right in saying he doesn’t like being by himself, which is apparent in his photos.
Photo two:
This photo for me represents a big unit of friendship. At such a young age it’s nice to see how well these small children get along. By the way they are gathered in a huddle along the bench they all resemble one another in their behaviour and physical appearance. All children seem to have short hair, cut roughly the same way. They are also wearing similar outfits, of shorts and t-shirts, parents obviously influenced by fashion at that time. Gary is mostly centered in the middle of the surrounding people, specifically girls. This may be because of his sister’s influence and is therefore comfortable around woman. The environment looks as if it has been picked specifically for the picture to capture each child at that time and shows the recurring layout of people gathered together. The shadow of the person taking the photo seems to be a relative; due to how comfortable the children are in the person’s presence.
From talking to Gary he believes it’s his dad that is taking the picture. He explained that the children were all his friends that lived in his street and so justified the lack of boys in the photo.
Photo Three:
Among the many photos I received from Gary, this is probably one of the few that were actually taking indoors. It looks as if it’s in a living room with a close relative, probably a sister? The sister is wearing a uniform no doubt, related to the captured moment they will try to recall. From this it could even be said that it’s her first day of school? Gary’s looks as if he is maybe three or four in this picture. It shows the good relationship he has which close relatives especially his sister. The way they have there arms touching one other shows how protective she is off her little brother and the mutual bond they share. I have noticed that Gary feels the need to touch bare skin, when embracing others, maybe a comfort thing? Again he is wearing an item of blue with strips, a key recurrence in most photos around that age. He has the same light, long straight hair, this time he is not showing teeth when smiling, probably not fully aware of the situation. The surrounding furniture looks dated now but then again may have been on trend when he was younger. For me this is probably one of my favourite photos. Even though there’s nothing much happening it shows the strong sister/brother bond they have already embedded at such a young age.
Lived in the house for maybe three years at that time. Maybe, Gary’s first day of nursery or her first day at school. Mum taking photo because dad would have been at work. He must have been four at then time it was taken. His sister is still protective over him now that he is older.
Picture Four:
Another picture where Gary is centered in between girls. It looks like family members due to their similar features. He seems comfortable enough with the other girls, probably because his sister is sitting next to him. Again the comfort thing arises, showing his hand resting upon one girl’s leg. This could conclude how well known the other girl’s are to their family or because he is the youngest out of all the children. He looks comfortable being in the company of older people, suggesting his maturity? It’s no doubt spring or summer, all are wearing summer clothing with trainers and Gary’s recurring blue and stripped clothing. The environment suggests that it’s a public place, maybe a day trip to a park or wildlife park. Same colours worn, casual outfits, maybe his favourite colour was blue? This is shown in his trainers and top. His hair is slightly dark and long, he looks tidy in appearance, something that has continued as he has grown up. Like most of his photos I have studied, the surrounding environment tends to be outside; therefore he probably enjoys being adventurous and doing outdoor activities rather than being confined indoors.
They would always go to this park every summer, with his family and close family friends. His mum used to baby-sit the other children so they have known each other from a young age. Gary then told me a story about how he got the chicken pocks from the others girls when he was younger. His favourite colour at that time was blue so my initial thoughts were right. Did a lot of outdoor trips with their family friends.
Picture Five:
This is also another favourite of mine. The full atmosphere seems to be spilling out. It’s the epitome of teenage life. The feeling of community and teamwork are obvious. It looks as if he is at a bonfire or camping, maybe even some sort of group, i.e scouts? This also leads me to look at the surrounding environment. Not a lot is gathered however with it being dark it does suggest the outdoor stay they are taking part in. Gary is once again centered among his friends, all different races. They show their team spirit, by wearing their yellow scarves. This reinstates the idea of him being adventurous both with his outdoor activities and with his social nature.
He was in the scouts, the yellow necker’s they all had to wear with name badges, kirsty is a life long friend and the other Amanda was his best friend at that time. When he went a trip to Japan he stayed at one boy’s house. Gary thinks that it’s one of the last nights, stayed 10 days at the camp in total.
Picture six:
The last picture, I studied was one that was a lot more recent, a lot more similar age to the Gary I am more acquainted with. In this he seems happy, relaxed, comfortable. It shows the closeness between his friends, no distance in the picture. Can conclude that they are his best friends. They are all wearing sunglasses, creating unity. They seem to be at a festival or some sort of concert. The glass of alcohol and possessions around their neck, reinstate this. They all seem to be fashion conscious; they have similar dress sense and have overall tidy appearance. This can mean his friends are similar in style but also personality. The choices of bright colours can emphasis this also. He definitely strives in the company of others. Like most of Gary’s photos they are all mainly posed but capture each moment well.
He was at T in the park, in king tuts. Kirsty was taking the picture, the girl who he went camping with a few years ago. They are all really close, all best friends. They have similar personalities, he told me that they are loud when they are together, obviously rub off on one another but are quiet when there not.
I think overall, Gary was quite intrigued about what i had to say towards his photo's. Some things i picked up on, he had never noticed before and agreed with a lot i had to say. The interesting part for me was discovering how much you can find out from just looking at a photograph and that they are significant in remembering lot about your life at those given times.
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