Photography can convey messages that words cannot. As a revolutionary universal tool, photography has the incredible opportunity to affect society in ways that are yet to be discovered.
People are able to use their eyes as tool to experience the world. Cameras are merely an extension of our given tool of sight, and as an extension, they are used to help artists capture what they truly see.
Essentially, cameras do not form the image, the artist does. Many believe that only artists are born with the ability to produce meaningful images and invoke reactions from photos. However, we all have the power to tell our story, and I would argue that photography is one of the best ways to do so. Fortunately, this visual art form simply continues to thrive as time progresses.
As an artistic medium, photography has the ability to unravel societal injustices, condemn wars and confront the many flaws that exist today among mankind. Typically, there are two categories that photographs are separated into: aesthetic and powerful. This is not to say that overlap does not exist, but rather there is a distinction between a photo being taken solely for aesthetic pleasure and a photo attempting to convey a message or record an event. When a photograph tells a story, it is usually considered photojournalism.
In my opinion, photographs taken for the purpose of photojournalism are much more moving than a photo being taken for purely artistic purposes. Accordingly, I urge anyone and everyone to take a step back from consumption of photography and embrace its creation in any form. Perhaps think of a topic that resonates with you and try to tell that story through your eyes with photojournalism — it does not have to be reserved for only artists and professional photographers.
It’s important to keep in mind that photographs that are altered are not appropriate for photojournalism because they are misleading and do not reveal the truth in its entirety. Photographs are given, not taken, and as a means of journalism, such photographs are meant to document and show the audience a different world while also advocating for change.
Photography as a whole acts as a powerful tool for active engagement. It has become widely accepted that the visual art can have a significant impact on learning. I support the notion that teachers should attempt to incorporate more photographs in areas where they may be applicable, as this implementation has the potential to have enormous benefits in closing the gap between academics and the real world.
Rather than simply learn about poverty, being shown this through a series of photographs would evoke strong emotions. If one is able to appeal to the emotions of individuals, then those feelings will stay with them longer as opposed to reading about it.
Due to the effects that photography seems to have amid an array of individuals, the understanding of the complexity of visual art is gradually evolving. With new technology and the rise of social media, photography works especially well in communicating knowledge all across the world to more people than ever before. So, I implore all of you to try and communicate through photography, capture your story into a photograph and share it with the world.
Chelsea Strong is an undeclared sophomore.