Social Photography

I really enjoyed Hine’s essay about his new idea of using photography as a source of documenting and more of a learning tool rather than a tool of shame or exploitation. His first paragraph is somewhat unique and different from all the other essays that we have read in that he creates a setting that the reader can become enveloped in, almost like he has created his own little story . I found this a much easier reading than previous ones.
Hine’s opionion about photography is somewhat different from the traditional views that have to relate to the ontology and aura of this art. He tries to send a message to his readers that photography has its own methods of persuasion and teaching within the social world. In newspapers, reading articles can give a person a certain opinion about the topic that is being discussed but if a photograph is inserted then that opinion can change. The effect of a visual in the modern world today has massive impact on societal views and personal conclusions. This is so because unlike paintings and illustrations, photographs don’t give false evidence what one sees is real. On very interesting quote that further interprets explains this concept is “while photographs may not lie, liars may photograph”. Therefore, even if there is false evidence given through an article of writing it is not because of the photograph itself but the photographer who is the one giving false hopes and lying to society. Lastly, it feels as though Hine’s uses his essay to promote the use of photography. In one quote he clearly is trying to persuade the general work force to go out and buy a camera and set aside time to document the accomplishments that occur in the work force. I feel that his passion for using photography as a tool of documentation within the work force is very interesting. Its as if he is trying to warn the world of the certain hardships that some workers face but also show all the accomplishments that their hard work put into.