Humanities

Realism and Early Documentary Photography

This week we move far away from the beauty and peace of Romanticism into the raw and stark imagery of Realism and early documentary photography. Some of the images this week may be difficult to look at, this is part of capturing the sometimes harsh reality of documentary photography. I ask that you recognize the value of this as part of our collective history and importance of photography as a whole. As we now start to move into the modern world, and with the invention of photography, the gap between just studying history and seeing history happen becomes smaller, and it becomes easier to put a face to those who came before us.

"The still photograph is often considered the strongest communication element in the world and certainly documentary images have and do prompt social change. Poverty, hunger, child labor, war, and many other concerns are often addressed by photojournalists, sometimes at great personal risk." - Documentary photographer Billy Weeks (I've included his TED Talk in your module) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uecTqOVfKkk

For your discussion this week we will look at the early years of documentary photography and how they compare with images used in the news, media, and/or social media today.

1. Please read the essay on "Early Documentary Photography" found at the link below:

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/edph/hd_edph.htm 

2. After you have read the essay, think about how many of these early photographers were social reformers, using their photographs to illuminate "how the other half live." Consider the significance of their work. Do you consider documentary photography just as effective today? Why or why not? (This should be at least 4-6 sentences)

3. Finally, find a modern day example of a documentary photograph. This can be from an online news article, magazine, photography exhibit or your own photograph. Once you have chosen a photo, tell us where the photo is from and what the message of the photograph is. Some of these images can raise difficult topics, so please be mindful of this and give yourself time to analyze and contemplate. (This should be at least 4-6 sentences)