Discussion Board for Week 11

The works of Andre Kertesz and Henri Cartier-Bresson versus the work of Eugene Smith and Sebastio Salgado vary in many ways. Their philosophies and approaches to photography are the biggest differences. Eugene Smith who is famous for the "Spanish Wake" wanted his photographs to reflect reality as he felt and saw it. He did this through using special post production lighting techniques when developing his photographs. His approach to photography involved interfering with his subjects. This resulted in creating a specific atmosphere rather than portraying how it is. He makes no attempt to be "invisible" to his subjects so that they are aware of his presence. He allows his emotions to influence and affect his work. Smith also plans and stages his photographs. He believes that being an insider creates a better picture despite the lack of authenticity to it. It can be said then that Smith "creates" reality rather than capturing it.

A staged photograph by Eugene Smith.

The same can be said about Sebastiao Salgado. He believes that crossing the imaginary line (between photographer and subjects and getting involved with subjects is necessary to understand the subjects being photographed. He manipulates his photos post production but also in a different way. He usually photographs less fortunate people who are in despair. He creates "heroes" in his photographs. These heroes often show people suffering but the way he manipulates some photos gives the impression that the subject can over come their adversity. His photographs not only depict reality, but do so for a specific purpose. He photographs individuals to express his global political stance on the effects of politics and the economy on disadvantaged people. His photos convey a personal message of his to the audience about his discontent with certain political and economic establishments. For this reason he cannot really be considered a photojournalist. He is depicting reality for many impoverished people and nations, but he does so with an ulterior motive. Journalistic standards dictate that this is unethical for that profession. Both Salgado and Smith can be considered as art photographers rather than journalists since their approaches do not reflect journalistic standards.

Photo Credits: Sebastiao Salgado

Conversely, Andre Kertesz and Henri Cartier-Bresson maintain a more traditional approach to photography. They believe that the photographer should be unnoticed when photographic subjects. This preserves a sense of authenticity to the photograph. It can be said that a level of professionalism is maintained through presenting reality as it actually happened. Crossing this "invisible line" as Smith and Salgado are known for negates professionalism. Having considered this, Kertesz and Cartier Bresson's approach is better when discussing journalistic approaches. Smith and Salgado's approach is better suited for art photography.

The role of a photojournalist is to capture reality and present it in the most accurate way. Interfering with subjects (including staging photographs) is not only unethical, but can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Interfering with subjects when you are supposed to portray reality can create and change reality. It can tell a different or complete opposite story than what is true. If photojournalists are allowed to do this, then we stand the risk of being misinformed by those we rely on to capture reality.


Works Cited
Lecture slides from Week 11.
http://www.thepaepae.com/dragonflies/1694/
http://www.masters-of-photography.com/S/salgado/salgado_mali_full.html