Photography Reading Response

Photography is the procedure of cataloging an image – a photograph – on light-sensitive film. It means drawing with light. It is derived from the Greek words “photos”, which means light, and “graphos”, which means drawing. However, photography has long since developed since the time it has been invented. Photography, as defined by Susan Sontag in her writing “On Photography“, is the idea of being able to capture the world through the lens of a camera or photographic device, as well as preserving the past and the present for the nearing future.

One such example that Sontag emphasizes the importance of photographs is by reflecting upon the uses of photographs in the past and how that has shaped the present within the field of criminology, being one of many examples. Sontag states, “Photographs furnish evidence…photographs became a useful tool of modern states in the surveillance and control of their increasingly mobile populations.” (Sontag 3). Through the use of photographs, police were able to lead investigations based on “solid” evidence. They presumed that “something exists, or did exist, which is like what’s in the picture.” This use of photography has long since evolved and has shaped the way of gathering evidence to this day and being able to influence investigations to bring criminals to justice. This use of photography helps to capture the world of criminology and has led to its advancement in several ways.

Another example Sontag mentions that highlights the significance of photographs is the idea of keeping memories or records of the past and the present. Sontag stated, “Through photographs, each family constructs a portrait-chronicle of itself—a portable kit of images that bears witness to its connectedness.” (Sontag 5). Photographs help keep long-lasting memories of families that can be cherished for generations. They bring life to the idea of a family and allow for a greater connection when the memories are developed through the use of photography. These photographs will bring to light the idea of both being able to preserve and share the memories with future generations. Photography is beyond the spectrum of art, it is the essence of capturing and preserving memories/history for the long term, being powerful enough to distort or shape anything. Photographs help to achieve an archive of memories from the past, leading to the present and the eventual future.

Photography has had many uses throughout history, but in my opinion, it has made some of its greatest impacts in capturing moments to help lead to bringing criminals to justice as well as safeguarding memories. As Aaron Siskind states, “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”