Basic Critical Theory Discussion Part 2

lofcuk

lofcuk

Messages
352
Name
Simon
Edit My Images
Yes
Assignments/Discussion Points

The Impact of Photography

2. Find a photograph you feel has clear meaning, study it with a view to selecting parts of it which, when seen in isolation, or in conjunction with other parts would result in a different meaning.

Insert an image to this thread, cut it up and present parts to illustrate new meanings. Do first without captions and then with.


Would anyone like to attempt this?

Link to original thread

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=201348
 
I guess taking photos is better than talking about taking photos! :razz::thumbs:
 
I actually love doing this kind of thing Simon, but it's having the time to go into as much detail as you've described. Now, if I was just to upload or link to an image and then discuss the parts of it, that wouldn't be so hard ... but I'm guessing like Dave that from the level of detail you've gone into with the question this is an assignment you've been set and you hoped we'd do your homework for you ... clever! ;)
 
I'll take that as a compliment, but I am a bit old for homework by about thirty years! Unless I was a mature student I suppose.

I just have an interest in the theory side of things. I did make an attempt at the assignment using Eddie Adams iconic image of the execution VC captain. The problem I had, was being objective about such an emotional image. I just end up contemplating the image as a whole, and cannot cut it up and seperate things.

Maybe I should pick another image without such a clear meaning. I don't know. :suspect:
 
There is no image as yet, that is the where the discussion is breaking down!

The problem I have been having, is to find an image with a clear meaning, that would work, to progress where we are. I like the Magnum style of photography, but the majority of those images do not have a clear meaning in my opinion.

I original thought that an online discussion would be interesting, but I am now leaning towards just carrying on with the book I have.
 
AlexW said:
Here's a photograph a really like which certainly has meaning, or subtext if you like. I'm not sure we can gain much from cutting it up but it is worth thinking about that subtext and how it makes this a powerful picture.

Not sure we should post copyrighted pics so here's the link:

http://www.masters-of-photography.com/K/klein/klein_boy_pointing_gun_full.html
Click to expand...

I love this photo Alex. You could definitely have a whole thread dedicated to it! I love how most of Klein's work was subtle but made quite bold statements about the places he was photographing, much like Robert Frank. I think this one was highlighting the violence in New York but I think it was on the Genius of photography Klein said it was also a self portrait. Excellent stuff.

I really cant settle on a picture to choose. Going to have another think about.
 
AlexW said:
Here's a photograph a really like which certainly has meaning, or subtext if you like. I'm not sure we can gain much from cutting it up but it is worth thinking about that subtext and how it makes this a powerful picture.

Not sure we should post copyrighted pics so here's the link:

http://www.masters-of-photography.com/K/klein/klein_boy_pointing_gun_full.html
Click to expand...

A classic superb image.

But here's the thing, for me that image does not convey a clear meaning, could represent lots of things. Maybe it's just me over analysing things.

As you say, to cut this image up, and caption and not caption, would probably not achieve much, as there are not a lot of elements within the image.

At least there is some debate now...
 
lofcuk said:
A classic superb image.

But here's the thing, for me that image does not convey a clear meaning, could represent lots of things. Maybe it's just me over analysing things.

As you say, to cut this image up, and caption and not caption, would probably not achieve much, as there are not a lot of elements within the image.

At least there is some debate now...
Click to expand...

Maybe your reading too much into the "clear meaning" part. The question might mean first assumption of the photograph because in my opinion not a lot of great photographs have a "clear meaning", there is always something hinting towards something else.

So in the photograph that Alex gave us the first assumption/clear meaning would be that its two kids acting up for the camera. Then cut to the boy on the right and he doesnt look like he is enjoying it and is looking a bit too intently at the boy with the gun. Then look behind the two boys and you can see its an urban street so perhaps it isnt a toy gun. And then you could analyse every part of the image.

Oh I love talking about photographs :D
 
Even though I said earlier there are not many elements to this picture, the more you look at it the more you see.

Much like most images maybe.

The expression on the gun holders face
The proximity of the camera to the scene
The streetsyle of the clothing
Maybe the subjects are gangsters in waiting or just kids playing
Architecture of the building
A passer by with their back turned

To me, Magnum photographers are the heroes of the medium, and the reason I like to take photos.
 
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