Images as Catalysts of Expression: A Demonstration of

Photolanguage

Presented by:Presented by:Rebecca White, Ph.D. and Diane Sasser, Ph.D. Rebecca White, Ph.D. and Diane Sasser, Ph.D. Associate ProfessorAssociate Professor s s Louisiana State UniversityLouisiana State UniversitySchool of Human EcologySchool of Human EcologyLouisiana State University Agricultural CenterLouisiana State University Agricultural Centerbwhitebwhite@agcenter.lsu.edu@agcenter.lsu.edu and dsasser and dsasser@agcenter.lsu.edu@agcenter.lsu.edu

Photolanguage: What is it?

• Enhancing communication through photographs

Photolanguage

• Photographs are symbolic and speak to the viewer

Introduction

• Each participant is invited to look at photographs with the perspective spontaneously, affectively, subjectively, and then reacting to them.

• The point is to be moved inwardly by the images.

Origins of Photolanguage

• Pierre Babin, Claire Belisle and Alain Baptiste

• Paolo Freire

• Carl Rogers

Photolanguage Origins (cont.)

• First published in 1968

• Purpose - discover a language relevant to visually oriented youth of media age.

• Photolanguage series produced for countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia

Photolanguage in Australia

• Pierre Babin

• Jan Cooney

• Claire Belisle

Photolanguage Australia

• Catholic Communications Centre and the Catholic Education Office

• Special project for the International Year of Peace

Photolanguage

• Photographs involved the application of cultural, sociological, psychological, spiritual, and photographic criteria.

• Collection included 130 photos

Using Photolanguage

– Spiritual Development– Special Education– Personal Development Programs– Educational Program Evaluation

Using Photolanguage

• Youth programs

• Staff Development

• Student Groups

• Values Clarification

The Photolanguage Process

• Two personal components– the creativity of the photographer – the projections of the viewer

The Photolanguage Process Requires:

1. Evocative photos

2. Small groups

3. Environment

4. Sufficient time

5. An experienced facilitator

6. Consideration of purpose

Evocative Photos

• Photos speak to us at different levels of meaning.

• These are the images which speak the language of symbol.

Small Groups

• Designed for use in small groups of people

• Voluntary participation

Environment

• Comfortable

• Relaxed

• Isolated

• Adequate space

Sufficient Time

• Adequate time is essential– For introduction of task– Personal choice of photos– Group exchange

An Experienced Facilitator

• Experience in group dynamics

• Understanding of Photolanguage process

• Facilitator sensitivity

An Experienced Facilitator

• Unobtrusive

• Non-manipulative

• Sensitive to the needs of individuals in the group.

• Listening

Photolanguage Method

- Study a theme

- Opportunity for personal expression

- Stimulate discussion

- Determine outcomes and impacts

- Compile results of an experience

- Evaluate a program

The Method

1) Photo Arrangement

2) Groups Assembly and Focus Questions

3) Choice of photos

4) Exchange of Reflections in Group

Photo ArrangementStep 1. Arrange photosStep 2. Present focus questionsStep 3. Participants choose photosStep 4. Group reflection

Group Assembly and Focus Question

• Assemble the group• Reflect on a focus question• Familiarize members with

language of pictures

Choice of Photos

• Participants view photos

• Participants select photos and return to place

Exchange of Reflections in Group

• Members are invited to share the significance of their photo (s)

• Facilitator acknowledges personal contribution by smile, nod or ‘thank you”

• Other considerations for evaluators

Evaluator Protocol

• Group member introduction

• Evaluation introduces program evaluation question

• Summation

A Practical Experience

• Select a photo that would best help you express how you would feel if you had been through one of the hurricanes that have hit the southern coastal states this year.

How to Order Photolanguage

• http://peoplemaking.com.au/ – Click on card sets

• Photolanguage

135 photos        $59.95

 The contact person that we corresponded with is Rosemary Allen and she can be reached at this email address:  books@peoplemaking.com.au

Summary

• Photographs symbolic and speak to viewer

• Photographs involve the application of cultural, sociological, psychological, spiritual, and photographic criteria

• May be used in variety of group settings

• Follows structured method

• Focused questions

Images as Catalysts of Expression: A Demonstration of

Photolanguage

Presented by:Presented by:Rebecca White, Ph.D. and Diane Sasser, Ph.D. Rebecca White, Ph.D. and Diane Sasser, Ph.D. Associate ProfessorAssociate Professor s s Louisiana State UniversityLouisiana State UniversitySchool of Human EcologySchool of Human EcologyLouisiana State University Agricultural CenterLouisiana State University Agricultural Centerbwhitebwhite@agcenter.lsu.edu@agcenter.lsu.edu and dsasser and dsasser@agcenter.lsu.edu@agcenter.lsu.edu