Summary:
“The Photographer’s Eye,” written by John Szarkowski, discusses the primitive years of photography, its large success, and the elements of which photography consists of. As depicted by Szarkowski in this essay, photography was introduced as a new art form, although it was placed under scrutiny at first. Artists, painters, etc. all viewed photography, at its introduction to the world, a inferior to traditional art forms. This is supported by the fact that the common belief is that photographs are taken, while traditional art is created. However, as Szarkowski discusses, photography allows a person to capture any image, able to permanently artifact a memory or experience of that photographer.
Szarkowski states that photography is a universal art form. He suggests that photography, as it was created by both scientist and artists, is designed to appeal to anyone. Every person, from an average person to a thriving artist, is able to use photography for both artistic and personal use. Szarkowski talks about how photography is easy for any one to do, as opposed to art, where time, dedication, and technique are mandatory; Szarkowski saying that people used photography to merely capture an image, without any thought of artistic rhetoric. As similar in today’s age, Szarkowski mentions that although there were professionals using photography to achieve artistic success and develop stunning photos, average people were using photography, despite any knowledge of the art form or technique. In recognition of that, Szarkowski states that photographers, much like any other art form, did have to learn how to use their tools and development of photos.
The Thing Itself:
This section refers to the actual image of a photograph. From this passage, I draw the similarity in the idea of “if you didn’t see it, it didn’t happen.” Szarkowski states that viewing things with your eyes is just an illusion, and seeing an image in a photograph speaks the truth. He also states that photography allows a person to view a moment, memory, or image better, and more full, rather than other art forms in the past — such as painting.
The Detail:
Szarkowski states that the detail of a photograph is to be clear and precise. The viewer of a photograph sees the details portrayed in a photograph, allowing it to display a subject — never before seen — better than what a painting could ever do. The detail of a photograph allows the photographer to vividly tell a story that they viewed, letting it become real.
The Frame:
This section Szarkowski describes as the framing of a photograph is what the photographer feels is important, and what is not. In a photo, the photographer has to frame an image to see what needs to be included and excluded from the frame. Szarkowski suggests that it creates a relationship between the subject and the photographer that was not once achieved. Also he tells that edges of a photograph are often less important, containing fragments of buildings and trees, focusing on the main subject located in the middle of the image.
Time:
Szarkowski states that a photograph is a depiction of time, whether it be a longer or shorter glimpse. Both fast and slow shutter speeds were developed, allowing a photographer to capture time in a way that the human eye was unable to view a subject in prior to photographs. Slow shutter speed shows movement, while fast shutter speeds halts time in place, allowing a viewer to see fine details unable to see before.
Vantage Point:
The vantage point of a photograph is the angle of view the photographer decides to depict of an image. Whether it be bird’s eye, worm’s view, or distortion, it allows a photographer to see the same subject in a variety of different ways. This is important in allowing of both creativity and interest of a photograph. The chosen vantage point is decisive in the photographer’s wishes on how he/she wants a photograph to be viewed.
Response:
I found this reading to be relevant to todays’ standards. Although written when photography was a new art form, it depicts the importance photography has on the world and how it is constantly shaping the way people view the world and its surroundings. My favorite topic was the fact that Szarkowski mentioned that although professionals exist, many people with no knowledge of photography still are taking photos. In today’s society, this is commonly seen throughtout various forms of social media, whether it be Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Photography has become such an important role in displaying memories and information with the world that otherwise, would have never been noticed before. Practically everyone in modern culture uses photography in consistent practice; it’s up to the person whether or not they want to take it professionally, or keep it for social purposes.
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