Topic 4 - Reading Photographs - Reflection

-       What challenged you?

During this topic I have been challenged by the variance and variety of responses to images. Even though we can have a set of guidelines or a checklist in order to read an image, each audience member will use them, prioritise them and interpret them and the results of them in different ways.

-       What surprised you?

I was surprised by the similarities in approach to reading a photograph, for example the different suggested writings by John A. Walker, Paul Martin Lester and Liz Wells, all had similarities between the approaches and conclusions. They all write and discuss different areas of photography and give different examples. I think my favourite concept discussed is Wells’ writing on taste and the idea of ‘connoisseurship’. She references A. D. Coleman and says:

‘A. D. Coleman reminds us that the term, connoisseurship, originally “simply distinguished between those who had actually laid eyes on particular works of art, thereby truly ‘becoming acquainted with’ them (the original definition of the term’s Latinate roots, cognoscere) and those who knew them only second-hand, through written descriptions or etched and engraved renditions[1]’ – and later, of course, through the photographic reproduction (slides, book illustrations, postcards).’ (Wells, p.433)

I agree with what Wells says is elitist connotations of this statement, but it rings true that a person that has experienced all that the art world has to offer, even within the sphere of their own country, may have a better and deeper experience than those who have not got access to these opportunities. A good example could be those isolated (to a point) in the North or far South West, their opinion and perspective of an image will be different due to the second-hand nature of seeing images away from the gallery walls. Equally a person living in the isolated parts of the world may not have experienced images of other places at all, as they focus more of their lives on survival. Does this make them any less of a connoisseur? I think that connoisseurship looks to divide cultures and peoples, so that the elite classes can feel a sense of ownership and authority over those that cannot afford to visit and experience artwork of all types first-hand. Wells suggests two further points in her essay,

1.

‘…connoisseurs being viewed as steeped in knowledge and therefore able to exercise discrimination within particular field of expertise. Such notions clearly support power infrastructures within national and international economic and institutional art networks,’

2.

‘…as Poggioli suggested, “sons”[2] rebelled against their father figures. This implies a singular historical trajectory within which younger generations of artists and critics act as a vanguard challenging the previously established.’ (Wells, p.433)

-       What do you feel you learned?

This week I have learnt that it is important to consider a range of different perspectives when analysing an image or set of images. Utilising checklists from Bate, Lester or Walker can help give insight into the singular perspective, however discussion and debate are essential for exploring and highlighting the ideas of others and potential further reading, understanding and interpretation.

Talking about interpreting photographs has led me to consider my own position within society and how this can impact my opinions and perspective. It is and continues to be a challenge to refocus the lens of my mind away from the privileged white, middleclass, male perspective I have gained over the years studying and taking photographs. This is something I want to continue challenging, progressing and engaging with to give a better and more rounded view of the world.

Bibliography

WELLS, L. (2002) The Photography Reader Routledge: London. P. 433

[1] A.D. Coleman (2000) ‘Connoisseurship in the digital era’ in Photo Americas 200, Portland, Oregon: Photo Americas, p. 2

[2] Poggioli, R. (1981) Theory of the Avant-Grade, Cambridge, Mass: Belknap Press.

Topic 4 - Reading Photographs - Discussion

Consider these two examples of different Afghan women who are of a similar age.

Write a short post in the forum below (maximum 200 words) reflecting on how you read these two images. What are their similarities and how do they differ? You are free to research further before considering your response. You should also take into account the different dates, the photographers and the titles used here.

I’m reading this image from a white, middle class, male perspective. I have seen both images before and understand that they both come from times of conflict in Afghanistan. The first during a civil war, the second during the Allied invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Due to the wide exposure of McCurry’s image, I think that we conclude both are of young women and draw similarities between the clothing they wear.

McCurry’s image seems to be of a younger person whose clothing appears to be damaged and could reference the conflict in the country at the time. There appears to be fear in her eyes and a look of distrust on her face. This could be attributed to the conflict but could also relate the fact she is being photographed by a white, western man who may not have taken the time to understand her situation or the consequences of being photographed. This differs from Bieber’s photograph, she writes about her experience on her website:

‘Aisha, the social worker, my translator and I were in a non decript [sic] room. At a certain point I felt it was becoming a bit stressful for Aisha. I decided to put my camera down and poke with her through my translater – women to women.’ (JBieber, 2015)

With this understanding about how the photograph was created, with the care given to the subject, I think it is possible to read a more relaxed expression in the face of Bibi Aisha. This is also reinforced by the fact that her name has been used as the title, rather than a generic description of national identity and gender.

JBieber (2015). Aisha - jodi bieber. [online] jodi bieber. Available at: https://www.jodibieber.com/aisha/ [Accessed 16 Oct. 2023].

Topic 4 - Reading Photographs - Advert analysis

Write a few lines about what the brand or organisation is trying to communicate about the product or service being advertised. Don’t labour this task: the prose can be as loose as you like, bullet points or note form is fine. Make sure you credit the source

This advert for Hugo Boss ‘Tonic’ is communicating a number of things to me.

1.     The connection and overlap of the botted fragrance and actor Chris Hemsworth suggest to me that if I buy this fragrance, I have the potential to become successful like Hemsworth.

2.     Hemsworth is handsome, so potentially this could offer the target audience a false promise, buy this, become this. It could also be targeting partners (wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc), who have the desire to turn their partner into Hemsworth both with the idea of their partner gaining success or so they can imagine Hemsworth whilst their partner is wearing the fragrance.

3.     Following on from the buy this, become this concept, it makes me think I can become successful in New York, a cut throat city where it is difficult to become famous, popular or get to the top of the high buildings in the background.

4.     By featuring a bridge and Hemsworth on ‘our’ side of the bridge it suggests that he could have come from nothing and as a result of the product, has crossed the bridge to what might have felt unachievable before, life in Manhattan, notoriously desirable but rarely affordable. This makes Hemsworth more relatable and the product less ‘elite’ and unreachable, widening the potential target audience.

5.     #MANOFTODAY suggests a person who has their finger on the pulse, in a City like New York people might find this important as they could feel this might lead to social and economic success for themselves or the person they buy the fragrance for.

Andrewprokos.com. (2020). Worldwide Ad Campaign for Hugo Boss Men’s Fragrance - Photographer... [online] Available at: https://andrewprokos.com/news/hugo-boss-worldwide-ad-campaign-prokos/ [Accessed 15 Oct. 2023].