6 images for final

Manny Gerald

September 25th, 2017

Barrett chapter 4 of Barrett introduced the ideas pf photos being categorized based on the way they are taken. It also mentions the difference between straight up reflective photos versus manipulated artistic photos. The different types mentioned were: "Descriptive," "Explanatory," "Interpretive," "Ethically Evaluative," "Aesthetically Evaluative," and "Theoretical." Descriptive Photographs.John Szarkowski proposes two categories to view the photos, windows and mirrors, he applies mirrors to romantic tradition and windows to more artistic tradition.

Descriptive photos include things like x-rays and surveillance photographs etc., they offer visual descriptive information, and are meant to do just that. Explanatory photos try to explain the cultural and circumstantial details after the photograph is taken. It seeks to explain what the meaning of the photo is in addition to allowing room for explanations. The many different types of photographs add layers to the way the pictures are taken, and show a deep underlying statement between the photographer and the world around him.

One thing I learned was the philosophical debate in the photography community about straight photos and manipulative photos. The reflective photos represent a more conservative like approach while the artistic manipulated photos seek to portray a different aspect of photography. Also many photographs fit in different categories, but are meant specifically for the one that it represents the strongest.