“In metaphorical terms, the photograph is seen either as a mirror – a romantic expression of the photographer’s sensibility as it projects itself on the things and sight of this world; or as a window – through which the exterior world is explored in all its presence and reality.”

Szarkowski, 1978: 2

This analogy gives a good insight into the philosophy behind photography. A window allows someone to see experiences they wouldn’t have a chance to otherwise – seeing a particular location or attending an event. A mirror gives insight into a person’s psychology, asking yourself why did the photographer choose to capture a particular moment and why they chose to share it. Both give you insights, one into the subject and one into the photographer, but the lines can be blurred.

As a photographer, I identify more with the window analogy. This is because a lot of my work gives a window into the life of someone else at an event, giving insight into emotion at that moment as well as the atmosphere of an event as a whole. However, upon reflection, I also view it as a mirror of my own romantic perceptions. The images I choose to share show joy, laughter, and positive emotions. This is what I enjoy capturing, mirroring my ideal world.

As an observer by nature, capturing a moment and sharing it with others allows me to communicate more effectively. It’s special to capture another person’s moment of joy.

“To photograph people is to violate them, by seeing them as they never see themselves, by having knowledge of them they can never have; it turns people into objects that can be symbolically possessed.”

ibid: 14

This quote speaks to me and reminds me of the reactions I get when I’m “caught” taking a photo, a rabbit in headlights comes to mind. Often, people are afraid of their photo being taken, this could be from anxieties about their own imperfections or something deeper like cultural values. For example, Amish people may consent to a photograph but it is against their religion if the photograph is posed.

Considering it a violation of the Second Commandment, which prohibits the making of “graven images,” the Amish believe any physical representation of themselves (whether a photograph, a painting, or film) promotes individualism and vanity, taking away from the values of community and humility by which they govern their lives.

The Amish and Photography, https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/amish-photgraphy/ accessed January 2023)

When taking a photo, it is an intimate moment between myself and my subject. I see something about them that I would like to capture and possess, so to speak, and carefully watch for the right moment to take it.

I’m keen to begin learning to challenge myself and my perceptions of my work and outlook on the world. Starting this critical review journal has already encouraged me to think deeper into the work I produce so as I dive further into the course, I’m intrigued to see what comes next.

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