Tuesday, May 13, 2008

The expressive nature of photography

The capturing of photography is extremely wonderful and incredible because it exists in a wide variety of forms. We the receiver, user, and audience of photographs, do not acknowledge the existence of these significant forms of photography as well as it’s expressive nature. We are often ignorant of the impact that these different types of photography has on individuals. The manner in which photographer’s capture photographs changes our perceptions on the image or the topic of concern. It is essential for us as individuals to understand photography so that we can relate to it to our every encounter with images and our use with a camera. This will enable us to accept and appreciate the wonders of a photographic generation; in that way photography will begin to expand at an equal and proportional rate to technological advancement.

Photographer’s make use of a wide array of shots, which comprise of angle shots (wide angles), aerial shots, long shots, medium shot, close-ups, extreme close ups and a vast amount of others. This wide variety of shots enable the photographer to be more expressive and allow the viewer of the photograph to become more interactive with photography but more especially allowing the viewer to relate to the photograph. These shots allow the photographer to create a desired effect on its audience, enabling them to see the image from a certain perspective and to relate to the emotions of the image on the topic of concern enabling the viewer to be able to read what the photograph is trying to represent. For example, extreme close-up shots are used to stress importance of the object in concern, wide angle shot is usually used as an establishing shot; most viewers are unaware of this when viewing photographs. Aerial photography is usually used when gathering statistic, and used to locate places.


There are different types of photography that exist these are water photography, fashion photography, the modern black and white photography(modern), documentary photography, food photography, advertising, photography, technical photography, crime scene photography and a vast array of others. Obviously, we often take for granted that photography exists in these many forms. It provides us with perceptions of life allowing us to formulate our own opinions of life from these modern forms of photography, in particular water photography. Water photography is an amazing form of photography in that it allows the photographer to capture pictures of water falls, animals underwater using special techniques. We the receivers of the image are not exposed to these type realities in everyday which makes this an extremely impressive site for majority of its audience. The same applies to wildlife photography it allows the audience to experience the wonders of nature. This is indicates that photography is rather expressive and hence it allows the viewer to, respond to and interact with photography in positive way.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Underwater photography is a hobby I have recently taken a liking to. I went diving in Sodwana and have tons of pictures of ocean creatures. I was the one taking the pictures but every time I look at them, I am still amazed that I was actually under water seeing what I saw. I think the advancements in photography do offer such an opportunity for people interested in taking photos and those who may never get the chance to see certain places, like under the ocean.

Ritania Gokul said...

i find that all forms of photography have different meanings and signifances to each view. each photo tells a story. the effects and techniqes are able to stir up emtions in the viewer, my favourite i would think would be black and white photos.