Sofia Conti:
Sofia Conti is an accomplished Glasgow based photographer who specialises in social-documentary. Collaboration is an important aspect of her work, her process is to attempt to depict people and their connections to their environment. Conti produces work that tells a story and enlighten the viewer on the issues raised, to change the audiences perspective and connotations.
During her degree, Conti wished to collaborate with a veteran community that have and continue to suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). When enquiring about this collaboration, she discovered that an issue occurred, which was that the veterans did not wish to discuss their personal experiences of conflict, especially with someone from outside their safe space.
After approaching this barrier, soon after, Conti was given a brief to photograph one of either topics 'people, places or things'. She then decided to contact Donald, whom she has known for years, in a professional capacity. Donald is a veteran who served with the Sutherland Highlanders and the Argyll, he has mental health issues related to his traumas of war. Speaking to Donald helped her understand the sensitivity behind mental health issues generated from war. It was made more evident that due to the pandemic, that there was even less support available for veterans suffering from mental health issues. Knowing this, it made her want to pursue this project as a way to inform the public to the subject matter. To raise awareness.
Conti intended to capture a portrait of Donald in his home while using her mobile studio. Once arriving to meet with him, he was already dressed in his uniform. As a result of this, she came to the realisation that it would suit her theme better if she was to capture the portrait within his own environment while using the natural light. This way it would depict a more authentic representation. Conti's portrait shows that despite the fact that Donald no longer serves in the forces, his experiences have transferred over to his civilian life.
After completing her image, she gave Donald a copy of the photograph and he stated that he felt proud. Conti's image resulted in Donald saying "Believe it or not, it was after looking at myself in the photo, I started to seek help and advice." (https://thestoryportrait.com/project/sofia-conti/) This was the best outcome for her intended reason for creating the image.
The Survivor// ©Sofia Conti
Collaboration is a vital part of social engaged photography. Conti's image and message behind the work is a prime example of this.
Conti's work connects to my own collaborations as I also spent time getting to know and understand my subject. Before I began to showcase an intimate side to the Stockport veterans, there was a pre-existing relationship and mutual respect between the photographer and the subjects. In the same way that Conti began to understand the vital issues concerning the subject matter, I too found an understanding and profound affection towards veterans.
References:
sofia-conti. (n.d.) [online] Available at: https://www.sofiaconti.photography [Accessed 26 May2024].
The Story Portrait. (n.d.) [online] Available at: https://thestoryportrait.com/project/sofia-conti/ [Accessed 26 March 2024].