Photography has always been something that has fascinated me and captured my focus, no pun intended. The fact that anyone can capture moments in time forever, focus and blur on subjects and backgrounds to place an emphasis on certain topics, and the opportunity to add a perspective many people may never be able to see, have all contributed to my love for photography. The ability of taking a photo may seem trivial to many, but is always very empowering because it allows the photographer to manipulate, frame and decide what they want their audience to see. Not only does this give photographers endless power, but it allows them to edit photos in a way that artists cannot always do as easily with physical paintings or another artwork.
Barthes is able to capture the true meaning of what it means to take a photograph and the feelings it can capture by focusing on what makes a photo a photo, its evidentiality. By paying attention to the viewer reaction, he magnifies the importance of studium and punctum. Terms that carry a lot of weight and meaning while speaking about the power of photography. Barthes describes studium as an element that captures your attention and initial focus when looking at a photo. Factors such as vibrant colors and cool styles all play into the meaning of studium. Whereas punctum is described from Barthes as being that takes that initial interest of the photo to a more personal level. Something that “pricks and bruises” the viewer on an emotional and spiritual level. Factors such as raw details that invoke memories, and actions that remind viewers of past experiences with loved ones, all play into the meaning of punctum.
During my visit to the “Exhibit of Photographs of Marcel Sternberger: Portraits of the 20th Century” at the Miskin Gallery, I was able to enter with a new mindset of how to view these photos. I became subconsciously aware of my own use of studium and punctum as I viewed photos and I was shocked at how accurate Barthes analysis of photography became. From the photos of world leaders, artists, authors, children, and religions I immediately noticed the black and white theme of Sternberger’s photography style. Some may argue that for this reason alone factors such a studium cannot play a role, but I disagree, studium can be expanded to factors beyond merely bright colors to catch a viewer’s attention. Personally, one photograph that captured the essence of both studium and punctum for me was a photograph from the Unknown Sitters wall. The photograph of the “Old Man” immediately caught my attention because of his large and untamed beard. Something so trivial captured the studium of the photo by causing me to take a double take on this old man’s beard. The punctum factor comes into play as I immediately remembered my grandfather’s beard. Although not as long and untamed, my grandfather’s beard was a distinct memory I had of him, something that allowed me to differentiate him from everyone else growing up. The ability of a photograph of a random unknown old man to invoke memories of my own experiences with my grandfather back in India is what photography is all about, capturing your attention, then allowing you to personalize the image. Barthes analysis of photography was not only accurate, but will change how I view future photos.
This photograph taken from a hike 2 years ago helps to capture the effects of studium and punctum. The bright and vibrant range of colors will catch a viewers eye, and from there it will invoke personal emotion by showing viewers the large drop from the clifftop. Driving factors such as fear and adrenaline will cause viewers to put themselves into my shoes and feel the same emotions I felt sitting at the edge of the cliff. It may give some the courage to conquer their fear of heights or it may even remind them of past experiences they’ve had while hiking with friends and family. Overall, the power of the photograph is subjective and it will cause different types of reactions to each viewer.
– Abishek (AJ) Johnson
I love the passion and the way you word yourself when talking about photography. Simple phrases such as “The fact that anyone can capture moments in time forever, focus and blur on subjects and backgrounds to place an emphasis on certain topics, and the opportunity to add a perspective many people may never be able to see..” show me that you have a real passion for what you’re doing and it deeply reflects on your writing reading the museum. I truly think you nailed the assignment and deeply analyzed every aspect of it. Also, love the example photo you displayed toward the end, truly beautiful. Great work once again my good man!
Wow, this is really well written! Your definitions are on target and I really like the photograph that you chose from the exhibit and how you related it to your grandfather. Your connection made me think of my grandfather as well. I also like how the colors in your picture from the hike balance out with the black and white photo from the exhibit. You’re brave for sitting at the edge of a cliff! I would’ve been scared! Great work!