Photography

Lev Manovich’s Inside Photoshop examines in depth the relationship between technological media and its predecessors including mediums such as paint, and traditional photography. Beginning with an overview of the framework for the discussion, Manovich covers two basic schemes that operate throughout the essay: techniques specific to a certain type of data, and those that are not. These schemes served as reference point in his discussion of Photoshop’s filters and layers. The filters available in the program allude to natural phenomena, thus having a basis in something non technological, however if taken to an extreme, such as mentioned with the “wave” filter discussion, the allusion to a natural phenomena becomes abstract at best. Layers on the other hand become a new way of thinking about digital production, from 3D elements to composite photos, Photoshop’s “layers” allow for the manipulation of a single element of a work, rather than affecting the entire piece. This new way of operating with digital production changes how one views an image. In conclusion, Manovich simply states that through the history of media based production, traditional forms of media, such as paint and photography, became software, thus introducing not only grand new possibilities but also limitations. In my own experience, I have used Photoshop’s layers and filters settings to create and produce several things, namely elements for my high school’s yearbook. I was the “senior editor” and got to experience first hand how Photoshop's and other adobe programs can be used to produce things, as based on tangible or intangible media.

In Senft and Baym’s “What Does the Selfie Say?” an approach is taken toward a specific form of media, and its production, unlike a software made to simulate and or edit the photo. The selfie has rapidly grown in popularity, begging the question, what does this specific style of photography communicate? A large part of the message selfies communicate has been interpreted as vain, narcissistic, and prone to destructive behaviors or habits. But is taking a photo of oneself truly so harmful? The research presented in this article suggest that the photo itself does not lead to destructive behaviors, or even death, but the manner in which it is received, the reactions, feedback, and messages sent and received in its assemblage across social media platforms ultimately has the destructive results. Yet in non-american cultural settings, a selfie can communicate the safety of a person, or other more practical messages not linked to self image. A selfie seems to communicate self worth, confidence and other messages, yet the comments, likes, and reactions it garners from individuals via media platforms and other interactions can send a completely different message. As compared to the Photoshop article, this article discusses the implications of a new form of communicating on a social level, while the other article discussed forms of producing, and agency as a means of producing meaning. Much like this article and video by a previous Instagram Model represents in yet another way, how the selfie culture can become toxic as discussed in the paper.

The third reading “The Image-World” talks about photography as an actual representation, a copy of sorts of something tangible, while a painting can be no more than an impression no matter how close to the original it is. Photography then is an extension of its subject, and it provides far more freedom in creating because it is not dependent of the skill or artistry of the maker. Photography being symbolic, an extension of its subject then ties sentimental value to an image. A photograph of a loved one, for instance becomes hard to part with, especially if the person is no longer living. Photographic meaning is stronger than simply an illustration, drawing or painting. Photography also allows for the agency of re-purposing information in the form of imagery. Its messages, information and accessibility allow for the conveying of meaning in completely new ways. Much like Photoshop’s allows for the editing and production of images in a technological sense, and selfies convey meaning across culture about their subject, the concept of photography revolutionized what can be known. Before the camera, remembering the way people looked was dependant on paintings or sketches, but no more. Now the life of a child, a family, can be captured and reproduced, thus storing information and meaning for years to come about the culture, the individual and much more. my grandfather has old photographs of his family from when he was young. The images allow him to remember, to enjoy the photographic copies of his loved one. This particular image is one of his parents, a memory he could not have today if it were not for the invention of photography.