Syzygy

The word Syzygy which comes from Latin, syzygia, and from Greek, syzygos, means conjunction. Syzygy is a kind of unity through coordination or alignment. In the field of astronomy Syzygy is used to describe the alignment of three or more celestial bodies in the same gravitational system such as during an eclipse. In this discussion we will use the term Syzygy with various metaphorical meanings related to photography.

Most photographic images depict a representation of three-dimensional space on a two dimensional plane. Despite this apparent contradiction of geometry, it is possible to create a sense of depth in the two-dimensional image. When one looks at objects distributed over a distance, along a line of sight, the particular the alignment of objects in space can give us clues to their position in the depth of space as well as new meanings created by their visual conjunction or synchronicity.

Enigma

In this Creative Eye Workshop you will explore the expression of depth in two-dimensional photographic images and within this depth the concepts of conjunction and synchronicity. You will experiment with Syzygy to create new complex meanings from independent visual elements that may be either complementary or juxtaposed creating visual enigmas.

Requirements

You are expected to have mastered the basic craft of photography, have a working knowledge and experience with computers and Photoshop or other image editing software. You must have at your disposition suitable photographic equipment and a computer with image editing software in order to prepare your images for presentation in class. Demo image editing software will be provided where required. If you wish to use conventional photographs, they must be scanned into a digital format.

Workshop Outline

	Photography Workshop Activities
Session 1	Sources of meaning in images Syzygy    Alignment    Transparency & Reflection    Conjunction    Synchronicity    3D in 2D    Visual dynamics Enigma
Session 2	Photo Exercise - Exploration of Syzygy
Session 3	Photo Exercise - Exploration of Enigma
Session 4	Discussion and appreciation of photographic work