Blog Entires 5-7

#5 Give your thoughts on one or both of the following quotes.

“Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man.” ~Edward Steichen

This quote explains why I like to photograph humans so much. I feel as though there is so much beauty in the face expression of a human. Their eyes tell a story that is often hard to understand though any other motion of body language.

“I just think it's important to be direct and honest with people about why you're photographing them and what you're doing. After all, you are taking some of their soul.” ~Mary Ellen Mark

I also agree with this. If the person you are photographing understands why you are taking the picture this will allow them to think about the point their body language should be proving. I also think it is important not to share all that you are doing so it leaves a little curiosity about them and it will provide you with a better picture.

#6 In your opinion, when is it beneficial, ethical, or appropriate to digitally alter photographic portraits? When do you think it is inappropriate or ethically wrong?

I really think most pictures taken are beneficial. It allows future generations to see what has happened in the past with things such as the war. Some may think it is inappropriate but a lot of times seeing is believing and it is not okay to run from the past.

#7 Pay close attention to the types and number of photographic portraits you see in one day. Where did you see them? How do you think that the content of the portrait changes based on the context in which you see the image (news, facebook, magazine, advertisement, television, youtube, etc)? In other words, what is the difference between the portraits you see on facebook vs. those on the news? What is the difference between the “viewpoint” of the photographer in each situation? What is the difference between their “intents”?

One can walk around and see photographs everywhere. From advertisements to pictures on Starbucks walls they appear in everyday life. With the photographs we see it allows us to see ourselves in the position of the person in the photo. It allows also some to dream big, see the beautiful world around us. The difference from portraits on facebook to those in the news is not much. Facebook captures people in the moment. Most of the time facebook pictures are of people having the time of their lives or something cool they experienced over the summer. As for news, it is also capturing people in the moment but they try to be more dramatic to get their point a crossed. With photos we are able to see what the viewpoint the artist has when looking through the eye of a camera.