#1: Imagine a world without photographs. Describe what this world would be like.
Simple is the first word that comes to mind when I imagine this scenario. I envision a time without mass advertising, propaganda, tabloids, and magazines; a time when we relied on word of mouth, on letters, on face to face interaction and relationships. In some ways, perhaps, this setting sounds favorable when compared to the complicated and fast paced world we live in today. However, as I sit surrounded by photographs of my friends and family that live hundreds and some thousands of miles away, I am reminded of other reasons why capturing a moment between people, or a moment in time is so essential to our world. Not only does this medium bring those we love into our homes, it introduces us to those we may never have had the opportunity to meet, it exposes problems in places we may never see, and tells stories of heartbreak, triumph, love, and loss that we may never otherwise experience.
#2: What does the word "photograph" mean to you?
Whenever I think of the word “photograph” I always think of the phrase, “a moment in time.” Whatever the subject, a photograph captures it in a certain state, vulnerable to our interpretations.
#3 “Photography deals exquisitely with appearances, but nothing is what it appears to be.”~Duane Michals. Write a brief reaction to this quote. Is this quote applicable to your experience with photography? What does it mean to you? Do you agree with the idea presented or disagree?
I think this quote speaks about the creativity and artistic instincts of photographers in general. I also think it refers to the ways this medium is used and manipulated to support the idea and purpose of the artist. With today’s technology, anything can be done realistically to alter an original image. How can we know if what we’re seeing actually exists in the state in which it is presented? One particular example that comes to mind is the airbrushing and altering of models in fashion shoots. We often hear of artists changing the size of the models to promote a particular brand and image. Even in my very limited experience with photography, it is amazing to see all that can be done to a photograph. The concept certainly makes me think twice, as a photographer and as a viewer, when analyzing the work of other artists in this field.
#4 “If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera.” ~Lewis Hine.
Write a brief reaction to this quote. Is this quote applicable to your experience with photography? What does it mean to you? Do you agree with the idea presented or disagree? Describe situations when photographic images reveal “the story” (as compared to words). Describe situations when words reveal “the story” (as compared to images).
I believe that humans, in general, are more often affected by the things we see as opposed to what we hear. It is much easier for us to walk away from a pile of pamphlets about the hunger crisis in Africa than it would be for us to walk away from a child suffering from starvation. The camera closes the gap in stories such as these. Photographs give us the ability to put a face, so to speak, on issues that may fall flat in a lengthy essay. Additionally, photographs have a relatable quality. Their subjects are things we can touch, things we can see, and things we can prove to ourselves are real. To me it is an example of the importance of this artistic medium. The challenge to photographers is capturing that quality which gets the point across. How are trying to make the viewer feel? Who are targeting with the photo? Of course not every situation calls for this type of emotion or storytelling. In advertising and design, words can often have a more powerful and poignant impact. One glance at a bold, red, word can capture our attention more quickly than a metaphoric photograph.
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