How does a photograph taken of an experience or event relate to the reality of that experience or event?
Order Instructions
2. On Photography, Susan B. Sontag
Sontag argues that with the proliferation of cameras and related technology
in our society, “having an experience becomes identical with taking a
photograph of it” (1977:24). Sontag also asserts that “cameras miniaturize
experience, transform history into spectacle” (1977:109-110), and further,
“the photograph is a thin slice of space as well as time” (1977:22).
How does a photograph taken of an experience or event relate to the reality of that experience or event? Explain in your answer what Sontag means in these quotes and whether you agree or disagree with her perspective. Discuss, with reference to Sontag, what you think are some of the benefits and drawbacks of photography as a documentary. In your answer, integrate at least two photographs that Sontag discussed.
(Note: You do not need to use the entire quotes in your response. It may be
most effective to use portions of them instead.)
Word count 800 words
SAMPLE ANSWER
In her book “On Photography,” Susan Sontag argues that the act of taking a photograph has become a ubiquitous way of experiencing events and that photography transforms reality into spectacle. She asserts that photographs capture only a small, fleeting moment in time and space and that they often prioritize the visual aspects of an experience over other sensory or emotional elements.
Sontag’s argument suggests that photographs may not necessarily represent the reality of an experience or event accurately. Instead, they capture a specific moment or viewpoint, which may not reflect the entire experience. Moreover, Sontag believes that cameras transform reality into something that can be easily consumed, shared, and reinterpreted, leading to the loss of the original experience’s authenticity.
For instance, the photograph “The Napalm Girl” by Nick Ut, which Sontag discussed, captures a moment of extreme violence in the Vietnam War. While the photograph is a powerful documentation of the events of that day, it is also a carefully constructed image that reflects the photographer’s perspective. The photograph, therefore, only tells a part of the story and may not represent the broader reality of the experience.
Another photograph that Sontag discussed is the famous image of the Hindenburg airship disaster. The photograph captures a terrifying moment of disaster and loss, but it also reduces the tragedy to a mere spectacle for consumption by the public. The photograph transforms a real event into a visually arresting spectacle, highlighting the power of the photograph to shape public perceptions of events.
The benefits of photography as a documentary tool are clear. Photographs can capture fleeting moments and provide a visual record of events that may not otherwise be preserved. Photographs also have the power to communicate emotions and ideas that are difficult to express in words. However, the drawbacks of photography as a documentary tool are also significant. Photographs can be manipulated or staged to reflect a particular perspective or agenda, and they can never capture the entirety of an experience or event.
In conclusion, Sontag’s argument about photography as a tool for documenting experience and reality is thought-provoking. While photographs can provide an important record of events, they are also limited in their ability to capture the full range of sensory and emotional experiences. By considering the benefits and drawbacks of photography, we can better understand the role of photography as a documentary tool and the ways in which it shapes our understanding of the world around us.
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