“Nobody ever discovered ugliness through photographs. But many, through photographs, have discovered beauty. … (The name under which Fox Talbot patented the photograph in 1842 was the calotype: from kalos, beautiful.) Nobody exclaims, “Isn’t that ugly! I must take a photograph of it.” Even if someone did say that, all it would mean is: “I find that ugly thing… beautiful.” ~ Susan Sontag, On Photography
The more I take photos, the less I seem to be able to tolerate of certain kinds of images. Anything that smacks of what (mostly) women in my demographic are exposed to as the designated acceptable or desirable images in print and elsewhere: luscious food porn, including but not limited to the frothy cappucino with delectable muffin/cupcake still life, self-portraits looking down at cutesy shoes, ethereal flowers, syrupy (aka “whimsical”) interior decor. I rail against it. Give me a wreck, a dark alley, a real expression of humanity and I will feel like I’ve actually seen something worthwhile.
Photo of the abandoned St. Joseph’s Church on Howard Street.
Everything about this works for me …. I usually check out an image for a minute or so if it catches my eye … here I’m basically transfixed … the mood it provokes is profound … This is a great image…
Thank you, Mark. I’ve been looking through a lot of my photos lately and many of my favorites involve churches or religious themes, which is odd if you knew me. But that’s a story for another day. Thanks for commenting on this one.
nice, Julie.
On Photography is a good critique of photography, and Sontag really makes us think about what we’re doing, but I think what’s more astounding is that after Annie Liebovitz’s photographing her illness, she published a follow-up, Regarding the Pain of Others. I haven’t read that one – yet.
Armand, I definitely need to check out that book. I keep rereading On Photography. There is SO much to ponder and so much that makes me think about why I take pictures and what’s happened before me. I will look for that book.
not only do you provide great visual, but you also allow a glimpse into your mind/thoughts behind images/process. thanks!
Thanks for the comment, Jen. I realized as I was writing my commentary why I seem to be heading in the direction I am with my photography. It definitely clarified some issues for me.