Blog Prompt #5, 6, and 7:

#5: Give your thoughts on one or both of the following quotes. 

“Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man.” ~Edward Steichen




I entirely agree with this quote. I think photography does an amazing job of pretty much explaining everything. Things that most people wouldn't understand or even be aware of can be displayed via photography. not much can really be hidden in a photo. When you take photos of people, they're true mood comes across in the photo.


#6 In your opinion, when is it beneficial, ethical, or appropriate to digitally alter photographic portraits? When do you think it is inappropriate or ethically wrong?

I think it's appropriate to digitally alter portraits in situations in which the photo is being used artistically. More-so if the photograph is being enhanced. I think the subject should be comfortable and accepting of the alterations as well. I think it's inappropriate to alter images if it changes the meaning and/or context of the picture in any way, but specifically in a negative way. For instance, if a photograph of a specific culture group is taken and portrays them in a negative way on purpose. Or in any situation in which the subject is not comfortable with the changes being made.

#7 Pay close attention to the types and number of photographic portraits you see in one day. Where did you see them? How do you think that the content of the portrait changes based on the context in which you see the image (news, facebook, magazine, advertisement, television, youtube, etc)? In other words, what is the difference between the portraits you see on facebook vs. those on the news? What is the difference between the “viewpoint” of the photographer in each situation? What is the difference between their “intents”?

The content of the portrait changes dramatically when the context in which it's displayed. On facebook most of the portraits are taken and displayed by the individual in the photograph. Therefore, the photo most likely will be made to enhance the person or show them at their best. The intent of a portrait on facebook is to show who your are and everyone wants to be seen in a pleasant way. However, in the news portraits are not displayed by the individual in the photo and therefore aren't usually in the best interest of that individual. For instance, if the news is displaying a criminal of some sort, it is likely that the photo will not make them appear in their best light. Usually they appears as what they are being accused of, a criminal. No one wants to be seen in that way so the image isn't going to enhance that person.