HOW I COMING UP WITH THIS IDEA?
“After the Week 3 production meeting, I tried to find the intersection between theme 1 and theme 2, and from that, I developed a topic that I want to research and explore.”
In this theme, I have combined my passion for photography with my curiosity about the preservation of objects, including images. Therefore, I pose the question: "What is the significance of image preservation for individuals and families in Vietnam, and how has, is, and will it develop?"
THEME BRAINSTORMING
PRELIMINARY RESEARCH
Research Purpose
Investigating the Evolution of Image Archiving and the Impact of Technology in Storing Photographs
Examine how image archiving methods have evolved from physical albums to digital storage and cloud services since the early 2000s, while assessing how technological advancements, social media, and innovations in photography have transformed family practices in archiving and sharing images.
Examining the Role of Family Photography in Preserving Cultural and Social Identity
Analyze how family photographs document cultural traditions, milestones (e.g., weddings), and family legacies, and assess their importance in maintaining social connections and cultural values.
"In this phase, I primarily focus on researching my family's old photo albums from the mid-20th century to the early 21st century, as well as observing how people archive images today."
My Family’s albums collection
Old images (1980s - 2020s)
The Evolution of Image Archiving and the Impact of Technology in Storing Photographs
1930s:
My great-grandfather family lineage (1930)
Photographs of my great-grandfather family (1950)
1950s - 1970s:
Some photographs of my grandmother family, with her sisters and my great-grandfather, during 1950-1970.
From the period between 1930 and 1970, a time when photography was just becoming accessible to individuals and families in Vietnam – all are black-and-white film photos, printed on ivory-colored paper.
2000s: The early stage of Digital Photography with CCD Sensor
A family trip in 1998
My grandfather business trip in 1999
Some family photographs in 2000
90th birthday celebration for my great-grandfather in 2002
During this period, imaging technology began to develop further with color film photos and digital images using CCD sensors. In addition, printing technology also advanced with laser printing and color printing, producing better colors and higher resolution.
2010s: The refinement of digital photography and the advancements in printing technology
My grandmother Dalat trip in 2010 - The color prints are still blurry and pixelated.
Lunar New Year 2012 - The prints are much better in terms of quality & color reproduction, and they are also covered by clear plastic.
A photograph of my grandmother and her sisters during this time - The beginning of Studio Photography Service
90th birthday celebration for my great-grandfather in 2002
During this period, digital images reached a high level of perfection with cameras featuring larger sensors and higher resolution, supporting color reproduction and printing. In addition, people began to fully transition to storing images on hard drives or the cloud for easier access, due to the development of social media.
2020s - Today: The strong development of phone photography along with the trend of nostalgia among young people
New Year Gathering - My Family (2024)
Hien Anh (2021)
Hien Anh (2021)
Hien Anh (2021)
My Year Book Photoshoot (2022)
New Year Gathering - My Parents (2024)
Literature Teacher (2022)
Family trip - Phu Quoc (2022)
Family trip - Phu Quoc (2022)
High School Class Trip (2022)
High School Class Trip (2022)
At this time, photography has become more accessible and popular than ever for personal use, as everyone owns smartphones with high-quality cameras and ample storage. Additionally, young people tend to seek nostalgia by purchasing vintage travel cameras and shooting with film.
Examining the Role of Family Photography in Preserving Cultural and Social Identity
A gift or an expression of gratitude
A present of my mom for my grand-grandfather in 2002, when he was 90
A present of my childhood friends for my mother, celebrating her 18th birthday
Documenting the milestones and significant events of a person's life
A present of my childhood friends for my mother, celebrating her 18th birthday
The day when my uncle was born (1999)
The first time I got bathing (2005)
Many photographs documenting memories of my grandmother
Preserving memories in a tangible way
My grand-grandfather in his business trip (2007)
The day when my uncle was born (1999)
Old albums’s cover/packaging
Archiving images in printed form or storing them in electronic format both convey the same meaning – preserving what has passed. These could be memories, moments, memorable trips, or the development of a relationship, a child, or significant moments in the later years of a person's life.
ACTION PLAN
This theme offers me the chance to delve into the significance and role of photography in the family, social, and personal lives of Vietnamese people. I’ll have the opportunity to explore historical and social contexts and hear diverse stories based on various family backgrounds and geographic regions. As a photographer, I recognized the importance of archiving images in preserving the meaning of photography today.
Identified Gaps & Future Direction
Potential Research Questions
Research Method
The Future of Image Archiving for Families in Vietnam
The disappearance of photo printing and the rise of physical storage of images.
What will happen if thousands of a family's photos, data, and documents disappear after a few decades?
Why are children today no longer excited about taking photos with their families, and why young people don’t share photos with their families on social media.
The renewed popularity of digital point-and-shoot cameras and film cameras among young people.
The development of family photography in Vietnam
The significance of taking and preserving photos in Vietnamese families
The current state of photo archiving in Vietnamese families today
The personal and family image archiving habits of young people today
The future of family image archiving in the digital age
Secondary Research (20-30%), Primary Research (70-80%), mostly focus on Qualitative Method
The future direction for this project is to uncover the significance of image preservation in Vietnamese families, provide an overview of the current state of image archiving in the digital age, and predict the future of this practice.
