While today we generally realize that photographs are not
truthful, the question of truth continues to be important in contemporary
discussions of photography. A really interesting distinction is the denotative
and connotative truth, something still important for photographers to consider.
On page 72, the author discusses the politician’s preferences for denotative
truth. By this she means the photographer stays faithful to the event and does
not manipulate the picture or the contents in it. However, photographers often
search for greater connotative truth focused on creating meaning through
symbolism rather than an ‘honest’ representation of an event. I wonder which
type of truth is more successful at making social change. Denotative truth has
a degree of authenticity but often connotative truth provides the viewer with
the tools to contemplate a bigger issue. This idea developed into a discussion
of authenticity. The author argues that the idea of truth in photographs might
come from society rather than anything intrinsic within the medium. This idea
is so interesting because it suggests that are reactions to photograph are
partly formed through social constructs. One more part that interested me was
the analysis of colonialism and photography’s role perpetuating domination. The
photograph allowed westerners to possess the subjects in the spaces and
perceive them through the lens of the photographer focusing on what they want
the viewer to see. Unfortunately, I think this type of objectification can
still be found today.
Q. How do you feel about the transfer of power from
photographer to editor (page 113)
Q. Is documentary photography still relevant and useful?
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