In Response to "Photographs and Contexts"

Terry Barret brings up very valid points in his article relating to photographical interpretations. Photography is a very unique medium because a lens can essentially capture reality, but it can also be manipulated to portray a certain kind of reality, whether it is a warped or pure version of it. Photography, in general, is built upon manipulation. Even when one simply takes a picture one is manipulating a space within a frame. But in reference to the article, which mainly focused on the famous photograph that Robert Doisneau took of a couple, drinking wine in a Paris cafe, I believe that this picture should be thought of in the artistic mindset that the original photograph was intended to be viewed through. What I mean by that is a person should view the original photograph like one would do with a piece of art from another medium and let the image absorb and flow into the mind rather than judging what it means prematurely. It is irrelevant whether it was used as an add, like the temperance league did for an anti alcohol campaign, because that was not what the artist intended when he manipulated it. Of course photographs will be manipulated in the media and other non organic entities, in order for them to benefit their own ideals and believes. But if it is to be viewed as art, rather than another plastic advertisement, one has to view the original in its own simplistic form. I believe as Barret does, in terms of interpreting photography, because to truly understand a photograph, one must understand the means, in which the artist manipulated his/her work. This becomes somewhat spastic in the modern age we inhabit today, due to our reliance on mass communication and digital technology 

Since we live in an age that is dominated by digital technology many images are up for grabs and can be used to convey many types of themes, ideals, or feelings. I believe there is a line between something that embody's a spirit of art and something that conveys an image that is intended to benefit a person or a group of people. Context is important in determining a photograph to an individual because the artist is showing the viewer a lens into a reality that the artist has captured. If a photograph is presented  in a simplistic way, which was most likely the artist's intention, than in can be viewed under artistic eyes, but once you start adding text or showing it in a series of adds than the image is not fully absorbed by the viewer it is rather skipped over without meaningful consideration. 

Overall the article made me realize how important context is in terms of how others will view a photograph. It is important to realize this as an artist and become aware of what I will capture in the future.