Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/06/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>>>>>>>> Hi Rob, I agree that photos and video images are so common they have less impact individually. I suspect that images are in some ways replacing language as a medium of communication, especially between cultures. Individual photos like individual words now have less meaning because they are so common. Collectively, however, images are how we are beginning to speak to each other articulately without needing to learn many languages. Nachtwey's impact and the impact of other prominent image makers may be primarily to refine the "language" and shape the nature of the dialog with respect to the subject matter of their photos. Those of us who take images and look at them are learning the language, and learning to use the language of images -- becoming intelligent communicators in what may become the most prominent lingua franca of our time. <<<<<<<<<< Gib - That would be good news for anyone trying to make a living with images. It's my feeling, though, that while pictures are terrific conveyors of atmosphere, so to speak, they're not very good on information. They really only show you how things look. Plus, there are strong limitations to what they can show. Example: a month or so ago I was commissioned to shoot a story about prostitution here in Modena. The story was quite complex, about trafficking in underage girls and the international structures that support the trade. But how do you photograph this? It's just not possible. At most you can photograph a few pimps, some girls, clients trawling past, etc. Even that is close to impossible - or was in this particular situation. But my point is, the pictures cannot tell the story. They can only illustrate it. Since so much of the oppression operating in the world is structural, that is, embedded in the structures of everyday life, and doesn't focus into significant moments which can be photographed, I think photography's potential for being a language even for dealing with this range of subjects is pretty limited. I do love photography and believe in its potential for telling stories, but I'm more and more aware of its limitations. I think still photography can potentially produce images which literally hammer into your retina so you can't look away or forget them. That's its strength. But words/video are essential complements to deliver the "whole" story. Oh well, it's late and I'm going on again! Ciao, Rob. Robert Appleby and Sue Darlow Via Bellentani 36 41100 Modena Italy Tel/fax [39] 059 303436