What is a photograph?

~ sarahgalea

What is a photograph?

A photograph is an image which shows proof of existence.

Photographs are:

Iconic -> through resemblance

Indexical -> when it causes an effect. Without the object you cannot take a photograph

Tom Gunning is an author who invented the Truth Claim. The truth claim is that not all images are iconic but all are indexical.

A photograph cannot replicate what it is like to be there at the actual place.

Stages of manipulation:

  1. Choices -> moment

-> point of view

-> frame- composition

  1. Post production

3. Presentation

Roland Bathes adds another stage:

  1. Interpretation (which is in the hands of the audience)

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