Photography is a unique way of expressing ones feelings and emotions. The photographer has the whole world around them to choose from in creating their art. There are no limits to what they can photograph and claim as their own. Photographers have to catch the eye of viewers very quickly in order to draw them to the image. Roland Barthes uses two words to describe the feelings and emotions that the photographs invoke. These words are studium and punctum. These latin words are used to describe the connection that photographers try to make with their viewers through photographs.
When looking at a photograph, something in particular about the photo itself draws you to it. As soon as you lay eyes on the photograph, you have an immediate reaction to what it is showing you. This is the concept of studium that Barthes teaches us about. The concept of studium is prevalent when the viewer’s initial observance of the photo is made. It is solely related to how the picture looks. As the viewer, you are looking at the photo for what it is an nothing more. Once the photo captures your attention however, you mind quickly starts looking deeper into the photograph however. When this occurs, you soon are engaging in the concept of punctum. Punctum involves the viewer’s deeper understanding and connection with the photo. Something in that photo resonates with the viewer personally and reaches out to them. This create a personal connection between the viewer and the photograph that only the viewer can make. Everyones feeling that they get when looking at a photograph is unique and specific to them which makes the feeling even more special.
In order to see these concepts portrayed in real life, I visited the Sydney Mishkin Gallery at the photos by Marcel Sternberg. Upon walking into the exhibit, I was amazed by all of the beautiful black and white photos of well known historical figures and some who were literally nameless. The images that caught my eye however where the ones of Albert Einstein. I have always been fascinated with Einstein as a brilliant man of course but also as a father and as the political figure he came to be. This photograph of Einstein and Ilse Sternberg showed me the concept of studium immediately. As soon as I saw the picture I was drawn to Ilse’s laugh and Einsteins small grin that gave me a feeling of happiness. Soon after, the concept of punctum was prevalent. I began to smile as I continued to look deeper at the picture. I thought about how lovely it was that both of these people were smiling and happy even though they were facing such rough times in Germany and in America. This photograph of Einstein and Sternberg certainly proved to me that both of the concepts Barthes introduced are prevalent in most if not all photographs and really give photographs a deeper meaning.
After visiting the exhibit, I began to think of the pictures and photographs I have taken that could encompass the concepts Barthes talks about. One photo in particular came to mind. I took this photograph this summer, and as you first look at it, it is a pleasing photo to look at. A little puppy sits on a hill with a line of mountains behind him. To me however, this photo has a personal connection attached to it. It makes me think of my family back in Montenegro and all of the great memories I made this summer. Not only this photo makes me feel this way however, in fact most of the photos I took do. The concepts that Barthes introduced are very interesting and I have personally come to see that they are prevalent in so many photographs that you see everyday.
I think the lighting in your photograph is especially captivating. I think it makes the picture over all seem nostalgic. If I looked at the picture without context, I would think its an old picture that was taken years ago and someone is reminiscing. The background is also really beautiful and just ties the whole picture together.
I too loved that photo! I totally agree that both studium and punctum were extremely prevalent in that photograph. Like you, I too was initially drawn in by their loving smiles and later delved deeper into the story behind their faces and the amount of love and struggle both faced alongside each other. Great work!