Purpose of Photography

Photo carried through entire editing process.

Mary Ann Doane discusses the idea of how photographic technology is about this "transformation of index into icon" in the article "Indexicality and the Concept of Medium Specificity".  As she develops this concept, she includes part of Dai Vaughan's argument.  He effectively says how "the point of photography is not that it mimics definitively the experience of seeing an object, but that its relation to that object is a necessary rather than a contingent one."  I was struck by how he so simply yet resolutely describes photography as not merely that of accurately depicting an object, but instead as that of having much more substance when understanding this relation with the components that make the photograph what it is. This article inspired me to alter the way I initially understood photography.  Anyone can snap a photograph and admire it, but a true artist sees more than the physical object in front of her.  She understands how viewers might feel drawn into the image depending on the perspective the photograph was taken at. She studies and comprehends how the figures relate to those around them and how colors impact the mood, etc. 

Upon reflecting on how my project has transpired throughout the weeks, I began to look deeper into my photograph series. I had begun with 32 photos and gradually narrowed them down to 10.  The printing process showed me how some photographs are enhanced and become quite striking in print, whereas others lose some of their previous strengths.  Finally, I chose 4 photographs to print 11x14 and to examine on a larger scale, keeping the strongest 2 that best complemented each other to show in the "Watching Exhibition" on Wednesday, October 19th.  The exhibition showed me the aspects that went into everything-printing titles, arranging orders, advertising, and writing the artist statement. 

Narrowing down and touching up the photographs allowed me to better grasp how each one conveys a slightly different feel depending on the time of day, location, and subject.  Listening and learning from the classroom technique, I actually discovered new themes and aspects in my photographs that I had not realized were there.  This process has enlightened me in better understanding the ultimate purpose of photography!
 

The Rhythm of Order

Watching the Watched

The rhythm in a series of photographs has tremendous ability to establish a sense of movement.  Robert Frank reflects on his book The Americans, saying how rhythm had to do with "how much movement was in one photograph, how still it was, that it progressed more and more until there was more movement."  In doing so, Sarah Greenbough writes how Frank sought to "create a form" by "establishing a 'distinct and intense order'" so that he could incorporate his opinions (Transforming Destiny into Awareness: The Americans).

This article was pivotal in my realization of the significance in the order of photographs. Each image should guide the viewer into the next, forming some sort of organization. This organization will in turn create the rhythm the photographer originally desired the viewers to experience. As I focused on this, I established a clearer organization to my series.  My theme has evolved into "watching the watched" to reflect how people are always watching one another, even to the extent of not realizing that they are actually being watched as well. This is separated into four sub-themes: framed, looking, distance, and reflection. I then grouped my photos into these categories, while arranging them to try to develop this movement Frank discusses. I tried to create a rhythm that would take the viewer in from a distance to a closer perspective to better observe the subject.  After doing so, I made a magazine through MagCloud to depict my series. Please see my draft before I order the magazine by clicking here.  I rewrote my titles and descriptions to be more simple and to not give away the photograph.  I'm excited to see how this series of photographs continues to grow!