For this entry,
A) first briefly explain (in a few sentences) the following two quotes.
1) "The history of photography could be recapitulated as the struggle between two different imperatives: beautification, which comes from the fine arts, and truth-telling [... for] the photographer was supposed to unmask hypocrisy and combat ignorance" (Sontag 86).
2) "Despite the illusion of giving understanding, what seeing through photographs really invites is an acquisitve relation to the world that nourishes aesthetic awareness and promotes emotional detachment" (Sontag 111).
B) then (in a paragraph) explain how the photographs of Carl Corey either embody or argue against Sontag's ideas.
A.
ReplyDelete1) This quote was in reference to a passage which can be summarized as being about the fidelity of art. The message that Sontag is trying to convey here is that photography is sometimes (often?) approached with an idealistic bent, regardless of intentions. There is a tendency for us to gravitate toward an ideal; whether that means tampering with a photograph to enhance it, or framing a situation in a more acceptable context with photojournalism. Sontag asserts here that photography which isn't faithful to reality is ultimately falsifying it.
2) In this quote, the point that Sontag is trying to make is that while photographs appear to be revealing, they really don't tell us much. She suggests that this phenomena creates a sense of awareness that is based on a false premise, which allows us to feel as if we have had a connection when we haven't really had one. This breeds detachment, according to Sontag, as well as a focus on esthetics.
B. The photographs of Carl Corey embody Sontag's quotes very well. Corey's photographs are not random snapshots. It is evident that he very deliberately frames his shots in specific ways. What this achieves is being esthetically pleasing while also presenting a story which is slanted toward the point that Corey wishes to make. Corey's images conjure a reality that is likely to be only loosely based in actual reality. They give us the sense that we understand what the places depicted are like. We can even go as far as to mock the people who must live in the places he depicts, based on the photographs, without ever seeing a single one of them. In Corey's photographs we see a reality that may very well be a false reality, bathed in the light of understanding that the artist has implied.
1) Photographs are often believed to be worth a thousand words. The depth of information that one picture can contain can be either good or bad, beautiful or ugly,and truth or lies. It all depends on what is captured and how it is captures. A photograph can show the finer things in life, the beautiful parts. Keep in mind that it can also be very revealing and uncover what was never seen or heard before.
ReplyDelete2) We can be so involved with our own worlds that we may tend to not see what it is like for others. We are familiar with our surroundings, whereas photographs detach us from where we are at and give us a visual insight of what seems to be a whole new world. We become aware of what else is out there.
B) Carl Corey takes photographs that seem to have a purpose or meaning far beyond what meets the eye. Once we closely examine his photographs we are able to see message that he tries to send. Sontag's ideas on photographs is to show that these pictures captures what some or most can not see for themselves. Carl Corey shows us exactly how her ideas meet his.
1) In this quote Sontag is stating that photography comes from two main perspectives. The first is for beauty’s sake. A beautiful picture will be framed a certain way to make it appear more and more pleasing, a fine art. The second perspective is that of showing a hidden truth. Photographs appear more or less as a ‘true’ copy of the world they are portraying. This is where photographic journalists come in.
ReplyDelete2) Photographs can never give the full story. Even when they reveal secrets, they invite more questions. People will take what they are shown, and give their own perspectives to try and figure out what that photo represents.
3) Carl Corey’s photographs are a series based on American belief contradictions. His perspective often shows a perspective, which asks a lot of questions about the way people are displaying their beliefs, and how all of these places share something, even though they are from different states. His work represents Susan Sontag’s ideas very well, as they invite the audience to take a closer look at what is all around them.
A.1) The first quote is talking about the need for photography to not only be an object for beautifying but should also be a tool for creating social awareness. These two imperatives should be embedded in the work and it is not always easy to achieve.
ReplyDeleteA.2) The second quote states that there is no real awakening created through photography; it is only a covetous relationship with the general notion of beauty and not much emotional connection to the issues.
B. Carl Corey's works achieved the art of incorporating the two imperatives in photography talked about by Sontag in the first quote. His works are pleasing to the eyes, with humor embedded. They equally have some depth to them and invites the audience to look at things from a new perspective.
According to Corey, "I don’t try to be mean or vindictive, but I'll point out things I think are questionable." This is what he sets out to do with his work, whether he awakens genuine interest in issues through his work or an illusion depends on the perception of each individual.
1) In this quote, Sontag is trying to mention how a photograph is a form of art that comes from the beautification of the photographer’s work. Photographs that are capture are most of the time fixed to bring the beautifulness of its importance out. However, in all captured memories, there is a fine art the photographer focuses on. These fine arts are based from the photographer’s image.
ReplyDelete2) All photographs have some hidden truth that keeps one curious. As a photograph can have its own beautiful art, this quote states that the viewer will have some kind of emotional attachment for it. However, the emotional attachment or understanding we felt towards the picture is only a mirror impression.
3) The pictures by Carl Corey depicts the meaning of Sontag’s second quote as they all have a meaning. Not only is there a meaning to these images, they offer a connection between the photographer and viewer. The attachment one feels for Carl’s work is having a sense of a realistic life connection. These images are similar to Sontag’s as there is a hidden truth to each photograph. For example, in Corey’s Hollywood photo, he mentions “Hollywood is a place where they’ll pay……. and 50 cents for your soul,” this image promotes how Hollywood is where the fame is that attracts one to it, but it comes with some hidden secrets.
1.) The first quote is simply explaining that there are two purposes that photography serves. First being to show the beauty found in a particular object or moment and the second to serve as evidence to prove something had happened.
ReplyDelete2.) The second quote is explaining to the reader that even though the photographer is trying to give us an understanding of a particular moment in time, it does not give us the full story of that movement. It can only allow us to develop our own interpretation of that moment.
3.) Carl Corey’s photography embodies these ideologies. His photographs do show us the beauty captured in a movement but they also do not tell us everything about that particular moment. We can only assume so much from a photograph alone.
1) Photographs can either be seen as a beautiful art picture or it can either convey a message through a photograph. When a picture is capture, many people only see the beautifulness of the picture, but occasionally ignore the truth telling of it.
ReplyDelete2) In this quote, Sontag is stating that when a picture is captured, photographers don’t give us the full truth in a picture. There is really no connection with a photograph because individuals are going to make up their own story and create an emotional relationship with it.
B) Carl Corey embody Sontag’s ideas because through Carl’s photographs he presents a true meaning to reality. His work is pleasant to watch while also revealing a story based on his art. By his art, he invites individuals to see what life really is in a new perspective. Carl Corey’s goal is whether or not people can relate to his work, he will always try to send a message or an illusion for everyone to feel a connection within his art.
1. Every photograph that is captured is a piece of the world the photographer wanted to present. Whether it is a beautiful perfection or unmasking hypocrisy and showing the truth. Photographs are one of the perfect ways to bring out a message. You can post it on social media, newspapers, television, emails, and/or text. Although, the photograph might be one of the most beautiful piece, there can be a devastating story behind it.
ReplyDelete2. After reading the quote it makes me think of what Jessica said, the saying “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Not everyone portrays a picture the same. Depending on whether the person can relate to the picture, they can sympathize and have a greater attraction for the piece. As for someone who tries to understand the picture, they have more of an empathy feeling.
B) Carl Corey embodies Sontag’s ideas very well. He shows us the specific things throughout the world, that people do not really pay attention to or give a second look at. He gives us a deeper and new meaning into the photographs/objects. Although, it might be a simple, basic picture, the hidden truth behind it is bigger than what appears.
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ReplyDelete1.In this quote, sontag is trying to say that taking a photo requires great skills and if it is taken by someone who has skills, the photograph can show beauty. The quote is also trying to say that a photograph can reveal the truth which many people ignore and that it is not always easy to take a good photograph.
ReplyDelete2.The second quote is trying to say that photographs don’t show all the truth and what we see in photographs is appreciation for beauty and it gives an inability to connect with others emotionally.
B. Carl Corey’s photographs embody sontag’s quotes. The photographs were nicely taken and we can clearly see what Corey was trying to show us. It also seems like Corey has a lot of experience when it comes to taking picture. The photographs also have hidden truths that we sometimes cannot see and demonstrates she is a good photographer because it gives us a clear image of what she wants to share. Her photos represent her talent as a photographer and since she is a good photographer I though everything she captured on the photos was beautiful although in reality it might not be as beautiful as I think it is.
1. In this passage it I believe that Sontag is referring to the two struggling arts of photography and painting. Modern painters were in the business of making people/things look beautiful but once photography became available it was a struggle between those two arts. When photography first became available there wasn’t a way to Photoshop the images, and thus photos taken spoke the truth. Taking a photo was more accurate than painting because with a photo you were able to capture every single detail of the image, something modern painters were not able to do.
ReplyDelete2. In this passage I think Sontag if referring to the idea that we as views are only given one image and we interpret it the image as we please. When we view an image we are only given a small glimpse into the story. We are never given the whole story and we as viewer will probably never be able to know the entire story unless we were there while the photo was taken. We are untimely given the illusion that we understand the image
Carl Corey images seem to support Sontag ideas. At first sight Corey images seem to be random images of random things and places but in truth they all have a stronger meaning. Most if not all of Corey images are either political or religious, these images make the viewer question their religious and political views. As viewers we are only given a small glimpse of the whole story because Corey photos are all taken throughout Americas small towns.
A. 1) What Sontag was trying to convey with her first quote was that photographers take photos with different intents. Depending on who is capturing the photo makes the difference. They allow you to see what they want you to see. In some cases it’s the beauty of something, or on the other hand it could be the ugliness struggle or ignorance of something.
ReplyDeleteA. 2) with the second quote Sontag is trying to tell us that we rely heavily on photographs. They are really exclusive because we see what is there but not what is left out. We see people places and things that look nothing like what we are use, but allows us to focus on the esthetics so we can hopefully create a connection when in reality it causes a detachment.
B. Carl Corey takes photographs not just for seeing, but also for telling a story. He captures the photographs in such a way that at first glance you may not catch everything he is trying to say. His photographs are the type that on further inspection presents its self in a whole new light.
A1) In this quote, Susan Sontag is explaining the differences in the use of photographs and the changes that have occurred over time. At the beginning of this section, the author discusses the introduction of retouching a photograph. She is trying to show that there is a change that occurred from the start of photography, from its basest form of reporting exactly what is there, and the form in which beauty is shown as priority in the image. This can distract from the reality of the situation, and draw attention away from the truth that is there.
ReplyDeleteA2) This quote depicts how, through photography, the world no longer takes in nature as a whole, but rather hunts for the awe inspiring moments. This unfortunately distracts from the moment at hand, and can distract from everything else that is there. This causes a detachment from our surroundings and a camera lens like focus on the things that are or can be made interesting. This translates into our transparent view of photographs, limiting the way that we view them and disabling our ability to understand them rather than merely viewing them.
B) Carl Corey's photographs frame what he wants to display in a way that provides lighting for emphasis and backgrounds to interpret the tone of it. These follow the aspect of Sontag's statements of attempting to make the photograph pleasing. However, they may only be pleasing to the photographer in portraying the message he wants. The limited view of the photographs without context constrict the viewers understanding. As the title stated, the photos make America appear strange. It is through this lens that detached viewers can make assumptions of what this country represents.
A1) In this quote, Susan Sontag is explaining the differences in the use of photographs and the changes that have occurred over time. At the beginning of this section, the author discusses the introduction of retouching a photograph. She is trying to show that there is a change that occurred from the start of photography, from its basest form of reporting exactly what is there, and the form in which beauty is shown as priority in the image. This can distract from the reality of the situation, and draw attention away from the truth that is there.
ReplyDeleteA2) This quote depicts how, through photography, the world no longer takes in nature as a whole, but rather hunts for the awe inspiring moments. This unfortunately distracts from the moment at hand, and can distract from everything else that is there. This causes a detachment from our surroundings and a camera lens like focus on the things that are or can be made interesting. This translates into our transparent view of photographs, limiting the way that we view them and disabling our ability to understand them rather than merely viewing them.
B) Carl Corey's photographs frame what he wants to display in a way that provides lighting for emphasis and backgrounds to interpret the tone of it. These follow the aspect of Sontag's statements of attempting to make the photograph pleasing. However, they may only be pleasing to the photographer in portraying the message he wants. The limited view of the photographs without context constrict the viewers understanding. As the title stated, the photos make America appear strange. It is through this lens that detached viewers can make assumptions of what this country represents.
1. In this quote, Sontag is explaining that there is two purposes that a photo intends to capture. A photo can capture a deep message that can be viewed in different ways. A photo can show beautification, showing the finer things of the subject or moment. A photo can also deliver a message that the photographer intended to make but can often cover the hidden truth. Many people only see the beautifulness of a photo when ignoring the truth telling behind the photo. Photographers want people to see what they want to see (beautification), and therefore distract from the reality of the photo of the hidden truth.
ReplyDelete2. In this second quote, Sontag explains that a viewer of a photograph interprets the image of what you see in that inspiring moment but not what is left out. Photographers do not give the audience the full truth of the moment. An emotional connection is made by the audience considering we convey our own interpretation of the image. In reality, this interpretation is a detachment because it is only an impression of the photo and not the compelling truth.
3. Carl Corey’s photographs do represent Sontag’s ideologies very well. His photographs capture a delivering message that is not hard to interpret. The depth of the message behind his simple photographs shows us that Cory is trying to clearly show us the reality. Although, there may still be hidden truth, his photos justify the idea of what is reality in these American towns from the audience perspective. The connection that is felt when looking at his photos is what Corey was trying to implement. We as an audience can only assume and interpret so much of the photos. Since the photos are so limited and contain no context it limits the viewer’s assumptions.
1. The first quote, it explains that photos have different uses and how they change gradually over time. A photo can contain many different meanings to them. Photos usually consist of two different meanings: the beauty in the art itself or the message that it is trying to give to the viewers.
ReplyDelete2. The second quote means that we see photos but not as a whole. We don't see what is left out of the picture; we just see exactly what is in the picture and view it however we want to interpret it. We come up with our own meanings for the pictures, but there is always something that is left out.
3. Carl's photos have meaning beyond just how beautiful the photo is. His art has a purpose for the viewers and wants us to see more than just an image. His art is to send a message and for us to interpret it however we see it. He does represent Sontag's ideas because she wants viewers to look beyond the image and capture something that can't always be seen. They both want us to see photos in a way where can never capture this moment in any other way.
1) Sontag had previously said that photographs were meant to expose truth and show the true beauty in things and people, but then editing came along and showed a whole different side to both of those things. People want their pictures to be beautiful, so even though the photo could be exposing the truth the photographer may edit the photo to make it meet the standards of what others may call beautiful. Doing this blurs the truth-telling aspect of photography. Because of this, there is a struggle between beautification and truth telling.
ReplyDelete2) In this quote I believe Sontag is saying that photographs help us become aware of the real beauty in the world and encourage us to let go of our emotions and feel what that photograph is telling us. Photographs are really just an invitation to explore the world and widen our thoughts of what is beautiful in our own reality.
B)Carl Corey’s photographs embody Sontag’s ideas very much so. His photographs were taken with the intention of making people open their eyes and realize the reality around them, that everyone is connected. His photos are not ones we see on a regular basis, that making the viewer pay closer attention to the picture. After examining his pictures the viewer is able to see that there is meaning behind the pictures, and this meaning is meant to tell the truth about the world.
A1) This quote in my interpretation mainly means that photography is not only a way to capture a moment and store as a memory. A photograph of a still moment says much more than that. It is the attempt of capturing the beauty a moment while at the same time exposing authenticity.
ReplyDeleteA2) This quote means in all that photographs are not only a understanding and interpretation constructed by the brain not real in the physical world, rather a way of integrating ourselves into the moment itself with neutrality and an unbiased view for the moment.
B) As I went through Carl Corey’s photographs, I reflected back on Sontag’s ideas and I believe that his photographs in a way embody Sontag’s ideas. The photographs captured a beautiful moment while at the same time exposing a reality. For example in the second photograph there was a quote exposing the reality of how the US attempts to create a single belief onto Americans. This photograph exposes a reality and at the same time capturing a beauty of that moment. This photograph also allows the viewer to integrate themselves in a sort of neutral way invigorating our senses of awareness.
A)
ReplyDelete1) This quote comes directly after a discussion on the background of retouching and beautification of everything. However, this quote really describes the struggle between the uses of photography. Sontag claims that people really can only see beauty through photographs and that it almost creates a more beautiful scene than what actually exists. In the second area of this quote it is argued that the purpose of photography was to expose the real world. By combating ignorance and unmasking hypocrisy we would be able to see the world in its true form essentially exposing all the evils and even the things that are not beautiful. However, as Sontag described, people usually only photograph ugly things because they are “beautiful”.
2) With this quote it seems Sontag is expressing the disconnect between reality and what people see in photographs. Often times people can escape reality by diving into photography in some manner whether it’s just viewing these photographs or using the act of taking photos to detach oneself. The aesthetic awareness that Sontag refers to seems to relate back to the concept of beauty. People will pay more attention to detail and be more interested in appearance when photography is involved.
B)
I believe that the photographs in the Carl Corey series “Americaville” really do embody Sontag’s ideals. This is especially true realizing that many of Corey’s photographs are of ugly or strange things that in real life we would just overlook. However his decision to photograph these things sends a message and presents a beautiful outlook on the situation at hand. It calls attention to the small details that present themselves as beautiful in the photos. There are harsh situations where we see a foreclosed building for sale at public auction. Corey’s photograph gives the hope that this place can be rehabilitated in my opinion. It seems Corey is also sending somewhat of a religious message with his photographs here and Sontag also describes that the other side of photography is exposing truths or unmasking hypocrisy which Corey does quite well in the photo of the American flag being held higher than the religious monuments where it is placed.
A.1
ReplyDeleteSontag's quote expresses that nobody looked beyond at a scene before them and said it was ugly to the point that they just needed to take a photo of it. Photographers, both amateur and professional, have generally looked to capture something beautiful or significant in their work however rarely expressed an interest for a picture due to its inherent unattractiveness.
A.2
This quote by Sontag seems like it means to identify and capture beauty. The camera allows photographers more choices than a painter, and that gives the photographer the ability to see beauty where beauty may not exist. Therefore, the photographer has more reality.
B
Carl Corey’s photos represent Sontag's quotes because they are not randomly taken. Corey’s intention was to achieve a value of photographs in assisting viewers to know what Sontag meant to convey reality. Personally, with a quick glimpse, I can tell that Corey’s photographs has a message behind it. In Corey's photographs, reality is what makes photography a heroic tool that is used before the camera emphasizes the scene. In other words, Corey’s photos reveal the truth and that is why it embodies Sontag’s quotes.
1) When recapitulating a photograph it is showing the importance of either what is in it or who is in it. The photo can be showing something beautiful or telling a story within. Photographing is a form of art to both the observer and the taker. Sontag quotes basically saying a photo isn't just one thought its two complete different thoughts.
ReplyDelete2) A photo doesn't say the whole truth maybe a part, but it doesn't show you the reality of it. People make their own conclusion and people have different points of view when they see a photo. But a photo has a meaning to it behind it all.
B) I think Corey captures a picture that speaks for itself without need of an interpretation. Sontag's photos capture things that others might ignore or not see clearly. Both have a different purpose when they capture a photo, but demonstrate something inside of it.
The first quote talks about how art, or photography is not just about one thing. It's first meaning is held in the obvious: what the picture is and the beauty in it. An example is a picture of flower. It's a beautiful picture because the flower is beautiful. The second side of photography lies in what message it conveys. What does the picture of the flower mean? If the picture is of a flower that is dying it could mean that even the prettiest flower dies, but there is still beauty within It.
ReplyDeleteThe second quote explains the fact that a picture can not give the entire story. It displays one second in time and it is up to the viewer to decide what the photograph symbolizes. One can feel a connection to the picture but it will never fully understand what objects in the picture feel. It provides us awareness yet we become detached and lack understanding.
Corey embodies Sontags ideas because he photographs controversial topics
Even though the we may have an opinion over a certain topic, we don't know the entire story and we slide past the picture and move on. We are made aware of a topic but continue as of everything is okay
A)
ReplyDelete1. Photography can be interpreted in many ways Beauty and/or the brutal truth is what Sontag lists as two imperatives the history of photography could be reincapitulated. Photos can be used to preserve and ideal,or uncover for the purpose of attaining an ideal. Can truth be beautiful? It all depends on the viewer.
2. A picture is only a frame of a particular event that has been captured. Usually it is a focus that does not give its audience a full understanding outside of the frame. The big picture is never really the big picture at all.
B.) Car Corey's photograph captures Sontags quotations in a way that he finds the connections between beauty and sisal realities. His photographs invite the viewer into an environment of a larger banal reality and he finds a quirk or distinction about them that makes an interesting connection.
1) Photography has been used to visualize the most appealing aspects of the world (making rotten fruit as beautiful as the Statue of Liberty for example), while also attempting to reveal the depths of injustice by capturing those injustices permanently and without mistake. This is the natural struggle of photography between aesthetic appeal that alters reality and truth that exposes it to the bone.
ReplyDelete2) Photographs only express the illusion of deeper meanings while allowing those that view photographs to distance themselves from the truth of the world presented while inviting aesthetic critique in place of empathetic resolve.
Carl Coery’s photography is rich with irony and aesthetic meaning, such as the shadow of the American flag in the window of a closed down shop that still utilizes surveillance equipment which ultimately represents American paranoia. In this way, Carl argues against Sontag’s ideals; each of his pieces represents a deeper, underlying problem that most choose to ignore (such as racism, historical ignorance, and religious corruption) through well-composed shots of real-world locations. Corey makes a bold statement with every photo that resonates within the viewer something that can only be described as: Understanding.
Claudia Sotelo
ReplyDeleteA)
1. Photography is used to capture the reality which can sometimes be harsh and unflattering; like unaltered picture evidence to uncover truths. Photographs are also used to capture objects or scenes we find beautiful. Pictures were used for both reasons and one cannot be said is the reason photography was created for.
2. Photographs are set up; the photographers manipulate the scenes in order to get an image that they need. They create images that are aesthetically pleasing and the images promote more aesthetically pleasing things to be created or purchased. The photographs encourage people to like them because they look pretty not because there is an emotional connection to them.
B) Carl Corey’s photographs embody Sontag’s ideas. The pictures show both imperatives; beauty and truth-telling. Although most of the images seem to be of simple, common things, they do show a type of beauty and reality that you have to look for in order to see. The pictures can be classified as both imperatives; it simply depends on the person to decide which category they belong in.