Response to Errol Morris' video concerning Photography

In this video Errol Morris informally discusses the honest truth of photography. Morris offers a new perspective concerning photography and its connection to truth. He says that photographs are connected to the visible world and there in lays their powerful truth. A photograph has a much harder time of lying about its subject than a painting or drawing. The images created through other medias can be passed off as view points that have been twisted to the artist's intentions, unlike photographs that suggest the truth of the reality they portray. 


Personally, I feel that with the introduction of photo editing software and other forms of new technology this is less true in our modern world. Errol Morris calls the photograph an instrument of truth but also says "photographs are neither true or false." Morris also mentions that  he believes every photograph is "posed" in some way. He says that "there is always an elephant outside the frame," meaning that no matter what some amount of the photographer's biases and motives, whether subconscious or purposeful, are layered into the photograph. Because of this Morris says that we must always keep the photographer in mind when evaluating a photograph. For how are we to truly understand an image if we do not understand its origin?




Source:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/video/2011/dec/26/errol-morris-photography-video

Response to: Ways of Seeing, Episode 1: Psychological Aspects

Berger's 'Ways of Seeing, Episode 1: Psychological Aspects'

                 Although this video may not be directly applicable to our current project, it gives us a new perspective on photography and its impact upon the world. Berger came across as rather harsh and critical of photography. He seemed to take offence in the mass production of classic traditional work. He says art both gains and loses something from photography.

                ‘Ways of Seeing’ explored the redefinition of the word “genuine.” It used to be an image was a valuable as it looked, but now as mass production of images has become commonplace, a sense of value and sentimentality surrounds “genuine” originals.

 Berger focused extensively on traditional art and the context in wish we view it. He elaborated on the unique and special nature of the image of a painting in the time before photography.  Berger suggests that the distribution of these famous images, through photography, has damaged the original meaning of these works. He continues on to explain how context can completely change the meaning behind an image. This idea of context and appropriation is a useful tool for a photographer. The placement and context of an image can create powerful meanings that can be used to the photographer’s advantage.

Response to 'Masters of Illusion'

Burke's 'Masters of Illusion'

                This video, although not always relevant, had some useful information that could be applied to this photo collage project. ‘Masters of Illusion’ focused upon the Renaissance master artists and their techniques concerned with creating the illusion of a 3-D space on a 2-D surface.

 Perspective was the principle topic in the video. Burke explains the mechanics of parallel lines converging at vanishing points in one point perspective. He also elaborates on multiple point perspective. Perspective is a useful tool that can be applied to photography to emphasize certain elements in the picture. Significant depth can also be achieved when perspective is used effective.

Burke also mentions the Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo was well known for his tendency to “reexamine everything.” This reexamination is the same mentality that photographers should practice when contemplating their subject and their approach.

Masters of Illusions also mentions point of view as a useful element that can be applied to photography. Burke mentions the artist Mantegna’s practice of placing the viewer in unexpected vantage points such as the street level and the feet of the deceased Christ. These vantage points create very dramatic effects. Similar effects can be applied to photographs.

Tweaking these traditional artistic practices a photographer can apply them to their craft and produce new and interesting effects.

John Szarkowski’s ‘The Photographer’s Eye’

                I thought this article had some very insightful points concerning photography. I have never been particularly interested by photography. After reading this article I hold a higher appreciation for the media.

 Szarkowski mentioned that those who preferred the more traditional artistic conventions and standards often had trouble appreciating photography. I can relate to that point. I prefer artistic expression that involves creation of new ideas and images. Photographers approach art is a very different manner. They capture reality and are both limited and blessed by the concrete nature of their subjects.

                The end of this article really made me realize how truly revolutionary photography was as a new media. The impact of capturing a candid expression or a momentary action is truly an amazing feat but in or fast paced digital world this ability is so quickly overlooked and undervalued.  It amazes me how much photography has changed our culture and the way we see our world. Although I may never truly embrace photography, I can at least say that I have a deeper understanding for the media and those who practice it.