Photography and Reality
Photography and Reality
Photography and Reality#1
Posted: 5/3/07 at 11:27pm
I'm writing a paper based on a Susan Sontag essay. Basically, she says that photography limits our understanding of the wold. "A camera's rendering must always hide more than it discloses." Interesting concept...
I disagree.
Thoughts...?
re: Photography and Reality#2
Posted: 5/3/07 at 11:37pmYou might want to look at this in connection with Annie Leibovitz's work, as they were partners for many years.
re: Photography and Reality#2
Posted: 5/3/07 at 11:42pmI know! I think it's really interesting how such a famous photographer and someone so opposed to the art were so close.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/9/03
re: Photography and Reality#3
Posted: 5/3/07 at 11:51pmThe camera lies. Every photograph is edited for the subjective view of the photographer. Every photo.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/1/06
re: Photography and Reality#4
Posted: 5/4/07 at 12:05amEvery photograph involves a choice - of angle, of color, what to include, what to exclude. It isn't even a slice of reality since it reduces everything to two dimensions.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/8/07
re: Photography and Reality#5
Posted: 5/4/07 at 12:25am
Photography is not any different than any other artistic medium, yes I concur, it is wildly subjective --- as is film, painting, writing, set design, choreography, music-- it's all a matter of interpretation. Different interpretation isn't always a bad thing...
for example:
Fosse = slow comfortable screw; versus Marshall =one night bump and grind. Both have merit, neither one unanimously loved both never to be viewed as one in the same.
What a photographer chooses to frame within the window, may in fact hide some things, but it can also expose others.....and while it may fracture or reflect light to enhance or limit a scene, in my opinion it is no less valuable than any other artists rendering.
The problem, as I see it, is that people often see one image (picture) and then perceive or believe it to be news (reality).
re: Photography and Reality#6
Posted: 5/4/07 at 8:43am
"The problem, as I see it, is that people often see one image (picture) and then perceive or believe it to be news (reality)."
They also might read something and believe that to be true. Actually, if they are exposed to one painting, dance, song, film, etc. of a topic, they may believe that one depiction to be the reality.
re: Photography and Reality#7
Posted: 5/4/07 at 10:38am
"Basically, she says that photography limits our understanding of the wold."
Compared to what? The argument is taken out of context, so I'm not sure why she is saying this. I don't think it limits our understanding of the world any more than any other subjective art form.
"A camera's rendering must always hide more than it discloses."
Must? Again, I'm not sure how this logic is applied. Perhaps she means the only way to understand the world is to experience it for yourself, but that is a given. I'm not sure I agree that photography is more limiting than other media. Sometimes the photograph is posed or edited or cropped. Sometimes it is a candid shot capturing one particular moment from a particular angle. Motivation is a factor. So many things. What is she talking about specifically?
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/12/06
re: Photography and Reality#8
Posted: 5/4/07 at 11:12am
Um… not that this has anything to do with what you are quoting but:
Photographs are a high definition, as Marshall McLuhan would say a hot medium.
(Not every photograph involves a choice - of angle, of color, what to include, what to exclude. It isn't even a slice of reality since it reduces everything to two dimensions. )
I would weigh that most photographs these days are taken randomly.
Photographs are 3D images presented in 2D media. That means the media is not completely hot yet. There is obviously required viewer participation. Until film/photographs reach the point of the Star Trek’s “holo-deck,” this media will always be abstract and require the viewer’s conscious participation.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/1/06
re: Photography and Reality#9
Posted: 5/4/07 at 11:39amA photograph is like an essay, I suppose. It takes a position since it can only depict an instant, or one approach to something multi-dimensional. On the other hand, like a persuasive essay, it can be compelling in symbolizing something bigger. I always remember the photographs from the Viet Nam war that had such an impact on the anti-war movement. The little girl running naked and screaming down a muddy road after a napalm attack. Or a captured soldier about to be shot by opposing troops, with the gun held to his head. Not reality in the true sense, but still true.
re: Photography and Reality#10
Posted: 5/4/07 at 12:35pm
Interesting discussion. Ok, so what are your thoughts on this picture I took? Does it provoke any thought or meaning? Any ideas as to my intention for taking this photo? There's really no right or wrong answer, I'm just curious as I've been thinking about a showing of some of my photography.
[IMG]
re: Photography and Reality#11
Posted: 5/4/07 at 1:13pmIs that a vibrator?
"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS
re: Photography and Reality#12
Posted: 5/4/07 at 1:17pm
No, it's a skyscraper.
PS - When they are that shape, they are not "vibrators", they are "personal massagers". I would never own a vibrator.
re: Photography and Reality#13
Posted: 5/4/07 at 1:18pm
Thanks for the clarification...nice photo!
I wonder if Bibi Galini had that building erected.
"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS
re: Photography and Reality#14
Posted: 5/4/07 at 1:25pmIt should be TALLER! Like a LIPSTICK! Like a POWDER PUFF!!
re: Photography and Reality#15
Posted: 5/4/07 at 1:29pm
"You are, how you say, the little woman?"
"Michael Dahling!"
"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation." PRS
Videos
