Blog Post #7

#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”?


There are far more photographic portraits present everywhere than many people would imagine. The covers of books, magazines and newspapers blitz us with images of people doing things, selling things and displaying things. Photographs used in publications and on television are often created with a purpose. They are not just there by chance or because they thought it would be fun to show people using their products- they are there to capture our attention and make us want or support whatever it is they are advertising or campaigning. The photographs are taken in very specific ways that highlight the good traits of the people and products in them. For example, during political campaigns, candidates very deliberately try to place their image in the eyes of voters, and they want to be represented in a certain way. They are often shot from a low angle to make them appear powerful, and in the most flattering lighting to minimize unsightly shadows or personal flaws.

Additionally, imagine one of those commercials or adds you see everywhere for the Save the Children’s Fund. Those photographs are taken in a completely different way than the photos for a political campaign. The children are shot from above to further express how helpless and little they are, and the lighting is often dim or dramatic to highlight their plight instead of soft and bright to make them appear more attractive. When coupled with sorrowful music and testimonials, these images provide a powerfully emotional message.

Aside from professional photography and publications, amateur photography is also prevalent in daily life. I was at my grandma’s house over the weekend, and virtually every room of her house is filled with family photographs and portraits from over the years. These aren’t out to persuade someone to buy a product or vote one way or another- they are used for capturing memories of holidays, children growing up and those who have passed away. They are present for personal reasons.

Facebook is another example of somewhere a lot of personal photography can be seen. The ones that intrigue me the most are pictures that people post of themselves. I think it’s really interesting to think about the image selection process that takes place when deciding which pictures to put up and which ones will rot in the depths of the computer folders. These people are their own editors- they choose what will and what will not be seen- they decide how they want to be represented and remembered. I’ve noticed that people are much more likely to have unflattering pictures of their friends up than themselves. I’m sure it’s not always a conscious “OMG she looks so fat here I’ll post it hahaha!” as much as it is the people being their own hardest critics and overlooking the flaws in others while being hyper aware of their own.

The way the photographs are taken and presented influences the way people perceive the subjects.