Final Analysis

Tim Clinch considers... ‘Wildfire’ by David Uzochukwu, 2015. From the series: In The Wake, 2015- 2020

This image is one of 12 series of powerful photographs by 13 international photographers exploring the topical theme of ‘fire’ and was presented in the exhibition ‘Prix Pictet: Fire’ at the V&A and in the accompanying book (ISBN: 9783961713660, publisher TeNeues).

It stood out for me for a number of reasons. The first, and by far the most important to me, being that the composition is absolutely gorgeous.

It does this old photographer’s heart good that this is the first thing I noticed as, so often in the world of contemporary and conceptual photography these days, the basics of photography, the building blocks I grew up with that formed me as a photographer and made me the photographer I am today are overlooked at the expense of a sometimes difficult-to-grasp and, dare I say it, sometimes wildly pretentious ‘concept’.

So, the first thing I noticed was that it is a beautiful image. The ‘message’ came later. Like I say, I am an old man and like this as I like my photography to be kept simple. I have not quite gone the whole way as the wonderful and often-overlooked photographer, Lord Snowdon, once said:

‘I’m very much against photographs being framed and treated with reverence and signed and sold as works of art. They aren’t. They should be seen in a magazine or a book and then be used to wrap up the fish and chucked away.’

However, I do have to admit to being some of the way there…

All the images in the Prix Pictet this year have the expensive and chic Gallery details immediately following the Title and photographer’s name. Am I happy with this? Not entirely, but I guess we live in changing times.

Anyway, back to this image. I appreciate that it makes me think after having noticed the basics about it. It is beautiful, immaculately composed, perfectly shot and, to be honest, I noticed the clever retouching and Photoshop work second. The message is stark and strong but for me this is a masterful work from a photographer who does not need to shout to have his message heard or his vision seen. It is possible to view this as a very, very good picture without the need for explanation. It makes me think and reflect…an iron fist in a velvet glove.

Just as with Dorothea Lange’s ‘Migrant Mother’, it somehow gets its powerful message across because it is so perfectly composed rather than having to hit you across the head with misery. It makes me think. It makes me sad, it troubles me and affects me deeply, and that, surely, is the power that photography, in the hands of a skilled practitioner, can have over us.

Tim Clinch is an award-winning professional photographer with over 40 years’ experience. Over the years Tim has worked in most areas of the profession, has had his work published in magazines worldwide, and has had more than 30 books published featuring subjects as varied as interiors, travel, food and portraits. To see his work, visit www.timclinchphotography.com.