Chapter 1 in the Wells text may seem somewhat more historical and lacking the much of the critical artistic observation of photography, but I think that looking at how photography evolved into such a diverse field today is important, as well as the theoretical frames of mind that came to shape why we take certain photographs. One comment right at the beginning of this chapter, on page 13, states that we often think of these new technologies as the agents of social change, however, that we often forget that the development and desire to have this new technology is also a response to changes that were already taking place...
There are many other interesting points that are brought up throughout the stages of progress (?) that photography has moved through, but I'm going to go ahead and jump right to the case study of Lange's Migrant Mother. Aparently there is actually a documentary that is coming out about Lange and her life's work fairly soon, with interviews with her included, so it will be interesting to see after having read this analysis. But anyhow, there are many points made about how one might see the photograph and/or the photograph itself that I think is worth noting. The first, the photo as a testament, is a point of view that I have often had when I see photos of people in desperate or difficult situations. Yet, it is important to critically understand all the other facets of the photo, such as the photographer own perspective or reflection, which can reveal new information or strip away applied assumptions. The context of where the photograph is shown can really change how it is seen. This is going to come to my question for the chapter: If an exhibition was set up for an audience of people living in similar situations of poverty/pain/struggle around the world, how might this photograph convey it's message?
There's much more to say, but that's all for now folks.
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