Susan Sontag’ s Arguments on Photography
“Photographs, which cannot themselves explain anything, are inexhaustible invitations to deduction, speculation, and fantasy”. The words of Susan Sontag effectively shed light on the nature of flat images. Ideally, by this quote, Sontag refers to the aspect of creating images, instead of taking photographs that cannot be understood by any individual who sees it. In other words, these photographs are a creation of the denial of nature and the appearance of the world. Arguably, the world through these images portrays no definite meaning. Through the quote, Sontag explains that the photos create loopholes for various forms of interpretations, critics and all kinds of argument that are directed towards the image. In support, Popova points out that “the steady coevolution of technology and culture continues to complicate our relationship with the still image”. Unlike other images, relating to this particular one is a problem since it tends to create several different impressions that the viewers might conclude from the presentation of the image. Sontag further implies that for understanding such an image, the author, rather creator must write about it, in efforts to explain the thoughts as well as the message he or she is conveying.
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The image depicted above is a type of digital photography. An in-depth analysis of the image using Sontag’s quote effectively enhances the understanding of the concept of photography according to the quote. Ideally, the image is a capture of the aspect of nature that is recognized as a storm on the sea. The use of the black and white style of photography enhances the aesthetics of the image. Looking at the picture, an individual gets to appreciate the ability of an individual to capture such an aesthetically filled image on the water. Even so, there are very many aspects of the image that do not add up. For instance, what is the significance of the photographic image and how effective is it ion conveying the intended message? Arguably, the work of art is a reflection of the reality of nature, on a water body. However, whatever is going on in the image is not definite, and so, understanding it is difficult for a viewer.
Ideally, the image gives a viewer an open forum through which a person can easily invent the message that the image depicts. For instance, an individual can view this image as a representation of the impacts of global warming. Another person may interpret the picture as a depiction of an ancient and powerful creature, coming out of the water and this is an implication that the human race is doomed considering that the animal can shake an ocean. The use of the black and white style in making this image blocks a large part of the background, making it difficult to tell if the cloud is dark and offers signs of heavy rains or not. As such, from the arguments that Sontag creates relating to the interpretation of images, it is evident that the image does not give a specific argument or pins to the direction of the meaning of the picture. Moreover, the image creates a massive opening for various critics that come its way. For instance, the image is a depiction of a stormy night, and the waves are so high. The question that arises from this is where the photographer was located since the angle of the image implies that he or she was on the left side of the storm, and possibly some strides away. Through this critical angle, the image depicts an aspect of unrealistic presentations that gives the viewers a reason to question the credibility of the picture. Ideally, images are supposed to represent the reality of the world. For instance, the photos should show the daily occurrences of the social world, giving the viewer an easy time relating to it.
Agreeably, the argument waged by Sontag that these images are created to satisfy the aesthetic fulfilment of the creator without creating any relevant meaning in the image to the viewers makes sense through this image. Looking at this image creates an impression of the active aesthetic component that it depicts. It is undoubtedly beautiful, and as much as the creator, Rachael Talibart is rewarded for the most talented photographer, the award is based on the aesthetic component of the image. The image, however, fails to create an impression on the viewers. Even though Rachael Talibart explains that the image creates an emotional attachment to the image, most people do not get a reason to get emotional about this image. Arguably, the image effectively compliments the requirements of meeting the aesthetic values of the artistic representation.