"Social Photography" - Sierra Flynn

After reading only the introduction of “Social Photography” by Lewis W. Hine, I was already intrigued. The introduction states, “he wished to show working people in their environments in a more detached and objective manner” (109). For some reason, this type of photography appeals to me. I find photographs that try to expose or uncover something very captivating, for when the photographer achieves this goal the picture speaks to the viewer. In scenes like Hines portrayed, the angst and pain of the people can be felt through the image. I admire photographers who have the ability to convey such emotion through a picture. Also, I was fond of Hines statement, “it [photography] has an inherent attraction not found in other forms of illustration” (111). I agree with Hines’ claim because I believe that people are attracted to photography because of its ability to capture an exact moment in time. No other form of art can depict a split second and capture the emotion occurring at that time. In the same paragraph, Hines also writes, “photographs may not lie, liars may photograph” (111). I found this interesting because I rarely take a moment to consider whether the image I am viewing is in context or not. In newspapers and magazines, readers generally assume the photographs were taken in an honest manner and that the pictures are being displayed in the correct context. However, photographers have the ability to manipulate the images in whatever manner they wish. It is a bit disconcerting to know that pictures can be changed to fit what the photographer wishes to display and not the actual event. I doubt that many do commit such callous actions, but knowing they have the capability to alter photographs is slightly distressing.