Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Post #8: Formal Introductions

The rough draft of your academic analysis is due this coming weekend.  To help you get started, this post will focus on the introduction to that essay.

Traditional introductions are comprised of three parts: the hook, the background/context, and the thesis.

The hook functions as an interesting opening to the essay designed to "grab" the reader's attention and provide a stylistic lead.  To be effective, a hook should be original, interesting, and consistent with the essay's topic and tone.  Some forms effective hooks may take could be a question (either rhetorical or literal), definition, description, anecdote, fact/statistic, or an example.

The second part of the introduction introduces all of the necessary background information to provide context for your analysis and argument.  Here is where you need to introduce (define and explain) your key terms and ideas.  In the case of this essay, you would need to introduce the idea of photography and then whatever concept you are focusing on to make your argument.

The third and final part of your introduction is where you present your specific argument about the topic.  The thesis statement will vary; an effective method to craft a strong thesis would be to return to the questions you posed in the last blog post.  Find the one question that seems to be the most important or significant.  Then, write an answer to your question; that will be your thesis.  As you are writing your thesis, do not reduce your argument to opinion by writing "I think" or "In my opinion."  Instead, just present your argument objectively.

For this entry, post your introduction to this blog.  These introductions should be a solid paragraph that would entail somewhere between half-a-page and a full page if you were to type it in a double-spaced essay.

35 comments:

  1. Belonging is a core human motivation that enhances individuals’ lives by allowing them to engage with others in meaningful ways. When an individual belongs somewhere they feel motivated and special to do great things in the community. They strive to be liked by others so that they feel happy about themselves. Siegfried Kracauer notes in 'Photography' that, “In a photograph a person’s history is buried as if under a layer of snow” (p. 426). When people look at photographs they can only see what they are presented with; this forces them to come up with their own interpretation. When people look at the photograph by L. Gudino "My Heart Lives Here" they may see emptiness, while others may see it as a place filled with emotions, experiences, and happiness. Individuals may see their homes and memories that they hold dear. Photographer Alex Bartos’ 1994 photograph from the Where We Live collection in J. Paul Getty Museum exhibits a family camping out at a state park. This picture of a common outing shows the importance of belongingness and togetherness within a family. Trudy in Annie’s Sunflower Maze taken by Sherron Rupp in 2000 of the same collection represents an older woman who is dressed unsuitably for the setting, which may show that she is coming back to where she belongs. These photographs follow the theme of belongingness, but have similarities and differences in terms of the feelings they elicit and the meanings they represent.

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    1. Nice work, Anthony. To sharpen your thesis, try wording it like this: "While both photographs follow the theme of belonging, they differ in the feelings they elicit and the meanings they represent."

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  2. Throughout history people have used many different ways to capture moments in their lives and pass them on to future generations. Even before photographs, art, music, and poetry were a few methods with which traditions and cultures were passed down. Cameras are used to capture an image. While things around them may change, photographs will always remain constant. Many purposes exist for photographs, one of the greatest uses has been and will be to help capture time and memories. As Andre Bazin states in his ‘Ontology’, “For photography does not create eternity, as art does, it embalms time, rescuing it simply from its proper corruption” (8). Although cameras were not created to capture history, therein lies the beauty of what photography is, because it so perfectly captures a moment in time, it has become synonymous with time. Photographs are an essential part of human history because by capturing an image and suspending it in time, they have taken what’s seems like normal moments and through the passing of time made them all the more meaningful. A great example of this is found in Photographer Stephen Shore’s from the Where We Live collection in which the image captures the outside of a movie theater in what looks like a small town. While this may have been a normal image at the time, it will continue to gain importance for future generations that may want to see how the world was in the past.

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    1. Nice work, Jesus. Watch out for passive voice sentences where the subject of the verb is obscured. Here are a couple of examples: "Even before photographs, art, music, and poetry were a few methods with which traditions and cultures were passed down" and "Cameras are used to capture an image."
      Rewrite these sentences to focus on the subjects of the verbs.
      The first sentence could become "Before photography, people passed on traditions and cultures through art, music, and poetry."
      The other sentence could become "Cameras capture images" or "With a camera, a photographer can capture an image."

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  3. Many of us are not professional photographers, but we love to capture unforgettable moments. The idea of having a photo captured brings comfort to know the memory will stay alive for many years and possibly generations. In the article “The Image World”, by Susan Sontag, she states, “photograph surrogate possession of a cherished person or thing” (154).We photograph what is precious and loved. A photograph would not be taken if it didn’t have any meaning or anything connecting on a personal level. Each picture has a meaningful moment therefore; we share the significance behind the each photo. Photograph and memory can also awake a variety of emotions, and helps us view different worlds. From the J Paul Getty Museum exhibit Where We Live: Photographs of America from the Berman Collection, one photo from Sheron Rupp can tell different interpretation of stories of who the woman might be and why she is entering the maze. Robert Dawson’s photo of the “Great Central Valley Project” can cause a great deal of emotion as well as tell a story. L. Castro's "Up on Top of the Rock" photo lets connect and see another person’s world. These three photographs express different scenarios, but they have one thing in common, they reveal stories of people, places, and events.

    Faviola Gurrola

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    1. Nice work, Faviola, but watch out for comma splices (like your final sentence). Punctuate it like this:

      "These three photographs express different scenarios, but they have one thing in common: they reveal stories of people, places, and events."

      (I changed the comma after "common" to a colon)

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  4. Photographs are thousands of pixels that bond together once a picture is taken from a snapshot of a camera. The image is then focused onto a film were the material is then permanent. The use of photographs is to create memories that have the ability to get encoded, stored. and retained in the memory, and eventually recollect past images that were once in the present. A photograph evokes in the present a moment that will help us remember an event rather than reading about it and create that memory that was once lived upon. Which makes it seem that when the photograph is view once again, it will bring back the memories that were lived at the particular time the photograph was taken. In the J. Paul Getty exhibit titled "Where We Live Now: Photographs of America from the Berman Collection, by Joel Sternfeld photograph titled “This Site, Landscape in Memoriam,” some may see an abandon house covered with old plywood on the windows that is unlivable while others will see and recall memories that were left in that house, another from a blog entitled “Capturing the Moments of Today,” by C.Orozco some may see that the photographer just took a photograph of a sunny day at the beach and enjoyable view, while others may see a photograph that may have been an individual’s special place to visit. These photographs show elements of places, people and events that were once lived or visited during the past evoking a memory. Whether it was a place where joyful moments were lived or a place where a tragic event took place, regardless of the event, a memory was created and stored in the memory of an individual replaying over once or over and over again.

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    1. Nice work, Maria. My suggestion to you is to reduce the frequency with which you use the "to be" verbs: is, was, am, are, was, were. The "to be" verbs don't really provide meaning; they just imply that something exists, which takes away from the sentence's vitality. Instead, try to rewrite the verbs to choose more vibrant, specific action words. Don't try to replace all of these "to be" verbs, but see if you can't replace some or most of them. For example, your first sentences could be revised to read, "Thousands of pixels bond together to form a photograph once a person takes a snapshot. The photographer then focuses the image onto a film to make it permanent."

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  5. With the creation of digital cameras, photographs have become easier to create and develop instead of waiting for the photograph to be developed in a separate area. Though cameras mainly used film, the film had to be processed in a dark room for the photograph to be developed. As technology has advanced, cameras have changed from instant cameras into digital cameras. The creation of digital cameras has allowed anyone that has access to a digital camera to be able to take a photograph at any time. This has also allowed people to have the ability to retake the photograph multiple times in order to get the right shot of the scenery or quite possibly an event. Throughout our daily life, most of us usually have a digital camera or our phone that can take high resolution images and most of us use these devices to take photographs of the world around us or selfies in specific areas and those photographs create memories that we share with one another. Even though photographs can bring up false memories, photographs are important to many people because photographs can tell a story and remind the viewer of the past that can evoke emotions by looking at the photograph.

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    1. Nice work, Joey. I'd recommend you create a smoother transition into the idea that "photographs can bring up false memories." Nothing in the paragraph previous to that point sets the stage for the distinction between true/false memories, so it's an abrupt move to discuss that idea of falsity.

      Also, see if you can't find a more effective way of saying "photographs are important to many people." Maybe say that "people treasure their photographs" or "photographs document life's meaningfulness."

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  6. Susan Sontag claims in The Image World, “ A photograph is not only an image (as a painting is an image), an interpretation of the real; it is also a trace something directly stenciled off the real, like a footprint or a death mask” (p. 154). Photographs are evidence of people’s experiences, adventures, and memories, which allows them to reflect on these past events. With a photo, individuals are able to interpret what was once real and happening directly in front of them. Many people will have different perspectives on photography and the emotions it can trigger (Sontag, 1973). Due to the advances in technology, people are able to take photographs through their phones, computers, tablets, glasses, and of course cameras, which allows memories to be recorded in any device. Photographs are a reliable image where as memory can become more dynamic. Memory can change with time, age, views, and experiences, but there will be some type of memory with each photograph (Sontag, 1973). People will take mindful pictures of things, people, or events that they want to remember and be able to look back on in the future. Photographs play an important role in memory and how it can explain an individual’s life story.

    Christina Orozco

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    1. Nice work, Christina. My only suggestion would be to change the vertbs in your final sentence. Instead of the somewhat-ambiguous "play an important role," maybe say that "photographs shape memories." Likewise, who do you mean by "individuals" in that final sentence: photographers? those being photographed? those looking at the photographs? all of the above? If you can make this sentence more specific, it will make your introduction shine.

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  7. Photographer David duChemin once said: "Photographing a culture in the here and now often means photographing the intersection of the present with the past." Ever since the invention of the camera, photographs have been taken for a variety of reasons: one being the preservation of time. Images have the ability of capturing a moment exactly as it occurred, to later be saved and preserved for later inquiries. Photos will always conserve time, whether they were created with that intention or not. Photography, as a product of the present, can provide insight into the past and supply clues about the future.

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    1. Nice work, Sabrina. I especially like the concise focus of your final sentence.

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  8. Photography can have multiple meanings or none at all. We as humans put a symbolic meaning onto our photographs based on the following: identity, time, and significance. Time is an important factor as it will live in a certain era where later it can be looked back upon. Laura McPhee’s image of the "Apple Orchards", and Karen Halverson's "Mulholland at Beverly Glen, Los Angeles, Ca” both share similarities and differences in contrast to L. Gudino's "My heart lives here", where all images are symbolic to each person based on a significant moment in their life as well as a certain point in time where reality hits. With that being stated, Susan Sontag states, how "through photographs, we also have a consumer's relation to events, both events which are part of our experience and ‘to those which are not"(155), this quote defines one of the multiple purposes that a photograph can serve including events. In addition, it is how individuals can relate to similar experiences and for those who have not been through the same.

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    1. Nice work, Berenice.

      My first suggestion is to reduce the frequency with which you use the ambiguous pronoun "it." For example, the "it" makes this sentence a bit confusing: "Time is an important factor as it will live in a certain era where later it can be looked back upon." According to the sentence, "it" refers to time, but I think you mean for it to refer to a photograph. Here's one way of revising that sentence: "Time is an essential component of a photograph, for the present-day image will become an object that people in the future can look back upon."

      Second, watch out for comma splices like this:

      With that being stated, Susan Sontag states, how "through photographs, we also have a consumer's relation to events, both events which are part of our experience and ‘to those which are not"(155), this quote defines one of the multiple purposes that a photograph can serve including events.

      You have one complete thought that ends with your page number, and another complete thought after that. A comma is not sufficient to separate these complete thoughts, but you have a few options as to how to fix this. You could change the comma to a semicolon, you could change the comma to a period, or you could add a coordinating or subordinating conjunction (or relative pronoun) to the comma. Here is what each of those fixes would look like:

      1. (with the semicolon) With that being stated, Susan Sontag states, how "through photographs, we also have a consumer's relation to events, both events which are part of our experience and ‘to those which are not"(155); this quote defines one of the multiple purposes that a photograph can serve including events.

      2. (with the coordinating conjunction, known collectively as the FANBOYS) With that being stated, Susan Sontag states, how "through photographs, we also have a consumer's relation to events, both events which are part of our experience and ‘to those which are not"(155), and this quote defines one of the multiple purposes that a photograph can serve including events.

      3. (changing the subject "this quote" to a relative pronoun) With that being stated, Susan Sontag states, how "through photographs, we also have a consumer's relation to events, both events which are part of our experience and ‘to those which are not"(155), which defines one of the multiple purposes that a photograph can serve including events.

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  9. A picture is worth a thousand words. The picture can only happen once, and cannot be recreated. Over time, a picture has been known as a memory. Memories always happen when there is significance in an event that has occurred. Sometimes a photos, reminds you of a memory. In Siegfried Kracauer, Photography, he stated that "Once a photograph ages, the immediate reference to the original is no longer possible (429). You cannot go back in time to retake a picture. That moment only happens once. People can see time fly by with a picture. Today, many people capture pictures and post it on many social media sites, others may have photo albums, and some even record the memories. In Adam Bartos photograph, Hither Hills State Park, he captures a picture of a beautiful family camping. This image shows that they are in the middle of a camp, spending family quality time together. L. Gudino's photograph, My Heart Lives Here, captures the scenery of a plaza in Mexico. This photograph shows that no matter where the photographer is, this photo will forever live in their memory. Although these photographers capture a memorable image, they need to put the camera down and live the memory. Photographs show a past memory that lives on, a future memory that will unfold, and a picture that can lead to a future memory.
    Jasmin Vega

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    1. Nice work, Jasmin. Watch out for cliches (which is a phrase or saying that has been used so many times that it has become generic). Your opening sentence is too much of a cliche. Either modify it somehow (by saying something like, "A picture is worth a library's collection of words"), or come up with a whole new hook.

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  10. Do you ever wish you could go back in time to see the face of a loved one? The memories of that person are stored in your memory, however as time passes, those memories become cloudy and distant. You take out your photo album (or your phone), and as you go through the photographs, you smile at the images looking back at you. You feel as though you are back to the day when the photographs were taken. The cloudiness of your memories lifts as you recall the places and events surrounding the photos. Details once forgotten; resurface in your mind. The photographs which are, “not only an image (as a painting is an image), an interpretation of the real,” preserve a specific moment with great detail, and they help close the gaps that our memory can have when we recall past events (Sontag 154). As advances in technology are made, the obsession of capturing the moment increases, and we rely more on photographs to help us retain information about our past. Through photographs, we learn about places and events in a way that cannot be achieved if we only read about them. In the photograph by Jack D Teemer Jr., “Baltimore,” from the exhibit, “Where we live; photographs of America from the Berman Collection,” one can learn about the lifestyle of the working class in Baltimore. The division of the homes is accentuated by the items laying on the yards. The photo by Alex Harris, also from the Berman Collection, captures a glimpse of the lifestyle of a specific family. The neatness of the home, and the colorful walls and furniture reveal a lot about the family’s way of living. The photo by classmate K. Zakarus, “A new love,” on the other hand tells a different story; the story of the beginning of new life. Sigfried Kracaur said that, “in a photograph a person’s history is buried as if under a layer of snow,” as we look through photographs, we remove that layer of snow and return to the past. These photographs tell stories of different places people and time. As we view the photographs, we are creating our own memories of the details in the images, and as time goes by the memories will fade. The human memory stores the past with details but gaps are created with time.

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    1. Nice work, Elsa. Just watch out for comma splices like this: "The memories of that person are stored in your memory, however as time passes, those memories become cloudy and distant."

      Here's the sentence with a semicolon in place of the offending comma: "The memories of that person are stored in your memory; however, as time passes, those memories become cloudy and distant."

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  11. We are constantly using photography unintentionally for documentation purposes. Pictures are taken to help us remember more about a particular event. Having a story to tell is great, but showing a picture to go along with your story makes it even more exciting and makes you feel like you can relive that particular moment captured once again, which is why some feel the need to use photography to document the events they have experience. Having a photograph to look back on ultimately helps us re-conceptualize past events. It’s as if these photographs’ are the refresh button for our memory. Photographs don’t necessarily have to be taken perfectly to represent that event experienced. According to Kracauer, “Memories are retained because of their significance for that person” so as long as what’s shown in the photograph holds significance to you, your memory of that event that has in some way been depicted in that photograph, will ultimately help you remember that experience all the more. As long as your photograph holds enough significance and meaning towards your event experienced, you’ll be able to look back on that particular time and remember that event more accurately.

    -Maria Zamarripa

    (I dont really like this intro, but I'm mostly trying to get a feel of where it is I want to go with this essay. I'm still unsure because I don't know if using documentation as a means to help with memory is okay or if it's a different top and I still need a hook)

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    1. Nice work, Maria. You can keep this hook! The hook doesn't have to be flashy; this hook is more calm and sedate, but that's a perfectly appropriate tone for an academic essay.

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  12. The word “Photograph” has several names like photos or pictures, but it has the same definition. Regardless of the name we use, what is important is the meaning of photography. We don’t have to be a professional or an expert in the area of photography to take photos, what is important is to capture the unforgettable events. We love to take pictures to capture memories and special moments. Siegfried Kracauer notes in ‘Photography’ that, “The last memory-image outlast time because it is unforgettable; the photograph, which neither refers to nor encompasses such a memory –image, must be associated with the moment in time at which it came into existence” (p. 428). There are moments that we will never forget and photography is one of the best tools to keep remembering those memories from the past. Some pictures bring us happiness or sadness but we collect keep these photos as if they were a costly treasure. A photograph from the J. Paul Getty exhibit titled "Where We Live Now" by Adam Barton reflects a happy family on a camping day. C. Orozco’s photograph “Capture the Moments of Today” photo reflects a relaxing, beautiful and special place to experience with loved ones. Photographs allow for the documentation of memories, special events and capture moments that allow a person to recollect emotions and feelings.

    Diana C Montoya

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  13. The permanent image was developed in the late 1830's where throughout the years it was improved. The development of photographs captured many events throughout history, that today, we still learn about. Taking a picture is a form of holding on to a memory of the past. It is the remembrance of loved ones that have passed away, a form of living in the past, and telling a story of how it used to be fifty years ago, or more. Many say “A picture is worth a thousand words” because looking at a picture one took holds a story one can share to future generations.Through the years, many things have evolved. Even if things have changed, a photograph will remain in the same manner. In “The Image World”, Susan Sontag states, “To possess the world in the form of images is, precisely to reexperience the unreality and remoteness of the real.” (p.164),we keep photographs mainly to keep a memory, to relive the unreality of the present. The memory of the past lives in the photographs. Stephen Shores’ photograph, 2nd St., Ashland, Wisconsin from the Where We Live collection in J. Paul Getty Museum presents a picture of 2nd St. where it appears to have a theater surrounded with cars and many people. This photo exhibits the time difference where a memory was created. The timeless look of this photo helps understand how theaters were a couple years ago, but will also help future generations understand and hold a piece of the past.We capture memories within a photo, keeping any memory alive to last a lifetime.

    Andreina Rendon

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  14. When was the last time you took a photograph? It is no longer surprising to see people taking photographs with their phones or digital cameras at any place during any time. Photographs are powerful tools which can capture the heartfelt intensity of extroadinary moments or on the contrary, heartbreaking events. Photographs can be interpreted in various ways; how a person chooses to convey its meaning is completely up to the individual viewing it. According to Susan Sontag, photography provides, “dispersed, interchangeable “points of view.” These unique perspectives are derived from the experiences and beliefs of the viewer. When viewing photography, one must look past what is pictured and search for deeper meanings. Photography can give insight into the life of the photographer as well as the life of the person being photographed.

    Isabel Mireles

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  15. There are billions of people in the world. Imagine how many photographs have been and continue to be taken. Right this instant a photograph could have been snapped, but why? According to Susan Sontag, “Photographs are a way of imprisoning reality, understood as recalcitrant, inaccessible; of making it stand still” (p. 163). Photographs are able to depict moments that people have experienced, and although time passes, photographs contain a moment frozen in time. Those who have been captured in those moments cannot go back in time to physically relive the experience, but they can travel down “memory lane”. Not only do photographs capture different moments, but they can also hold or elicit memories. Photographs help shape memories depending on the image it depicts.

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  16. David Maciel GonzalezJanuary 30, 2015 at 11:49 PM

    How does a photographer feel about the criticisms of critiques? Individuals take pictures for self-satisfaction of sharing a moment in life that is valuable to them. They may share this valuable moment with themselves as they may also share this moment publicly to other people. Feedback may be a concept of recognition that photographers tend to seek. In essence, if a photo does not convey the meaning that the photographer envisioned to reach out to an audience, does this imply that there is no importance behind the picture? The criticism that a photographer receives from his or her image can alter feelings. This revolves around the self-satisfaction feeling on how a photographer cares about how critiques think about the photographer’s picture. The feedback received by a photographer may alter the photographer’s viewpoint of his or her own judgment based on the judgment of others.

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  17. How and why can photographs manipulate identity? There is a common saying, that states, do not judge a book by its cover. The value of something is not always evident from what we see on the surface. Identity demonstrates different characteristics from the outside view opposed to the inside view. This can applied to a person, place, or thing. The audience of a photograph may manipulate a photo based on their own insight. Individuals take photographs to capture a particular significance that they may value. The message that is portrayed by a photo may result in an indifference between its viewers because people have different values. Individuals are inclined to easily judge a photo by looking at the surface without taking the time and effort to analyze the true meaning behind the photograph’s inner identity.

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  18. Growing up, I often heard the phrase: “take a picture, it will last longer” when a person was caught starring at someone or something for too long. To put a stop to the gawking, this was usually said in a snarky manner, creating some sort of embarrassment for the onlooker; therefore ceasing the thought of what enticed the person to stare from the beginning. As time has gone on, I have realized that this is more than just a quick comeback; there is a truth to these words: take a picture when wanting to remember something; it will last longer than the memory. Susan Sontag wrote, “one can’t possess reality, one can possess (and be possessed by) images” (163). By taking photographs, people discover what it is in life they want to remember when their memory can no longer recall the finer details of the past. It is a way to conjure up feelings that may be buried deep, see people who can longer be seen, and recall the treasured days of their life.

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  19. The world as we know is not black and white, in fact the world is full of many different wonderful colors. Colors which helps people view things differently, and gets peoples attention; as for a world made out of black and white might seen a bit dowel, boring, and not to mention less attracting to the peoples eye. However, the first photographs made were not full of different wonderful colors, the first photographs made were black and white. Black and white pictures can tell as much as a color picture, the color on the picture does not tell you weather something is boring or exciting, the real meaning is what is in the picture.

    Ruby Montes

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  20. Michael C. HernandezJanuary 31, 2015 at 3:02 PM

    Have you ever come across the need to find what the best way to capture a special moment in your life? Photography can be a valuable tool to capture a moment in time and poses it for anyone’s viewing pleasure in the future. With today’s technology being so advanced, we are able to have the access to take photographs at our leisure. To the basic mind, it is just a way to view things at a later time. To me, this is a great way to capture a moment that will be history and be able to relive that moment indirectly through that photograph. Everyone will have a different personal perspective on how to use photography but that is what makes photography such a fond aspect of our everyday lives. Whether photographs are of physicals objects, scenery of one’s surrounding or a thought-out atmosphere to reach a specific objective, photography can relay an abundance of memories and emotions just by the press of a finger.

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  21. The concept of being able to take a photograph has been around for many years; from having polaroid cameras to now having cameras on computers, cellphones, and so on. Photographs are taken for many reasons and serve many purposes. One of those purposes being the creation of memories. Photographs can be interpreted in many ways; Roland Barthes states, “Man’s interventions in the photograph (framing, distance, lightning, focus, speed) all effectively belong to the plane of connotation”. A photographer takes a picture of what they believe to be significant moment, a moment they can see themselves wanting to share with the rest of the world. Every photograph has a different background. For example, why was this image taken?, What kind of emotions can be perceived on the viewers end?, what are the people “if there is any” in the image doing?. All these questions create a story scenario, a story that is intended to be carried for many years. Images help us refer back to stories we remember and gives us the opportunity to share and most importantly show what we are talking about. Those who choose to not travel or are simply unable to because of financial hardships, illnesses, or anything that physically prevents them from leaving there home are really able to benefit from images taken elsewhere. Without images we would be unable to know what the world we live in looks like. As viewers we sometimes are able to connect or understand some images more than others. The reason for that is because of the experiences or places we travel share some sort of characteristics with the image we find ourselves intrigued by. Later on I will be explaining how I found myself culturally connected to L.Gudino’s image of “My heart lives here” and how her image brings back memories of my own although I did not take the picture.

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  22. In a fast paced world, and more than 7 billion people living in it, it is no wonder that we try to hold on and remember those moments dear to us. It has been easy to let the moments pass us by, but with advancing technology, the accessibility of photography has been ever increasing. People often do not want to lose these precious moments, which could range from a child’s first Halloween, or a marriage. One may ask how one relates to the photo being taken and what gives them meaning? A simple photo can be powerful, a moment of the past frozen in time, with the ability to invoke feelings of either awe or grief. And as time passes on, does the meaning and story of the photo change? It’s a common phrase that we have all heard, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Everyone has their own experiences, and although a picture may have a story unbeknownst to the viewer, they must use this past experience to create their own meaning so that they may relate to the image on a more personal level.

    Stefano Subia

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  23. Seeing is believing, or at least that is what I was told. From a young age, I was taught to validate an argument with some proof was necessary for thinking logically. Pictures became my main focal point for evidence; to prove I took an amazing trip, I would show photos documenting my adventure. Photographs are not just used as a form of proof, they are used to capture a moment in time or creatively take mundane objects and turn it into art.

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