1. Freeman talks about the concept of solutions or internal rewards that we, the viewer, get when we look at a “good” photo. Do you agree that this is what makes a good photo? One that is “compatibly encodable? Explain(2)
I definitely do agree with Freeman’s thoughts regarding the “internal reward” following the observation of a photo. It’s great to know and understand what you’re looking at, judging for your own, personal opinion or thought. It’s a traditional and simple way to look at a picture and know what is behind it. However, I think there can also be beauty in uncertainty; not completely understanding or completely decoding the meaning of a picture may make it the more interesting and beautiful. There may be an “internal reward” that the photographer gets if he can make the audience a tad bit confused and full of wonder.
2. Can you think of a photograph that you have taken that meets this Freeman criteria? Explain why you think it does in some detail. Please print this photo for submission with your response.(3)
I recently went to Portland, Maine as a side trip during a hockey tournament in Boston. Earlier that morning, a sixty-something-year-old waitress at Denny’s recommended, if there was one thing we should do, we should go to Old Orchard Beach - so we did. After the day spent in Portland we drove and arrived at the beach, just missing the sunset by a few minutes - I’m kind of glad we did. What was left was a beautiful purple haze in the sky; I felt completely present and nothing but grateful. I took as many pictures as I could; all while trying to absorb the moment in while doing so. Other than a few short videos of the crashing waves against the smooth sand, I think this picture is the only one that can truly satisfy as well as give the viewer a glimpse into what I was briefly living. You can tell what’s going on, and feel it through the photo, and that’s why I think it’s so great. * See below*
3. Because so many people now take photographs, what is the key for the successful photographer to keep his/her photographs interesting and relevant?(2)
I can’t speak for everyone, but what really captures my attention when it comes to photographs; what makes pictures interesting to me is taking something you see often, and putting a unique spin - your own spin - on it. Being a different, outside-of-the-box photographer is quite the challenge, but once you’ve found your thing - what makes you slightly unique or a tad special- will make for a successful career or hobby.
4. How has the internet changed the way images are seen by millions or by no one compared to earlier times before the internet? Do you think the internet has given us better photographs and artists than before when it was just print media?(3)
With the help of the internet, and the usage of social media, the ability to publish a photo, and release it to the world is easier now than ever before. Unfortunately I believe this has caused a negative, almost dulling effect to the way most people see and appreciate photos (whether they be professional or not ) today. Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of pictures are being seen by an individual on the daily; by simply just scrolling down their feed. The normalcy of constantly seeing new content, without really taking it in, or caring what is behind the meaning of the photo, is a bad habit our and the future generations need to learn to overcome.
I believe that the efficiency of uploading, or spreading new content through the internet has definitely allowed talented photographers to blossom and become apart of the international photography community with more ease than ever before; adding to the world’s collection of great photographic content. However, this also means anyone can post too; the picture of a blurry Egg McMuffin on my Instagram feed as someone heads off to work with the hashtag #MorningGrind isn’t necessarily what I would call great content. I guess for the cost of being great, there is some sacrifice required.