Can a Photograph Tell a Story?

I find that a great question.  It seems that everyone knows the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words and its been pounded in our heads so much over the years that we just accept it and don't look any further than to see if a picture is pretty.

Can a photograph depict more than just that moment in time?  Can you see that subjects past?  I wish a photograph could tell more of the story.  Furthermore, could a photograph tell you more about what the photographer sees and feels or even tell you more about yourself as a viewer?







This just looks like a picture of a little girl being happy and not much more.  Childhood is so simple and innocent for the most part.  Does the picture tell you that this is a child impacted by HIV/Aids?  Probably not, but thats what she is.  Now with that information, what does the photo tell you?






A photograph alone can't really tell you the whole story, at least not most of them.  You might get lucky and have one that hits it right on the button.  I dont think thats what a photograph is meant to do.  Its just as much about the viewer as it is the subject.  Photography like many other forms of art simply allows us to respond to what we are experiencing.  Most of the time we interpret it through what our own experiences are which is why we have so many differing opinions on different art.

We have to have more in order to tell the story.  Perhaps a collection of photographs is the safer bet in order to tell the story better.  Or maybe look into the photographer or the organization.  Look at what the person values and you will be able to find out more information than what the picture depicts.

Now what does the photo tell you about yourself?  What does it make you "assume"?

Homeless people on the street?  You automatically have feelings and thoughts flood your mind about the situation.  The first is probably that its a terrible situation.  Right after this you have a thought of compassion as a human being, that you should do something to help those in need.  However, what happens next would determine what you do next.  You might come up with some reason as to not help the homeless.  Thoughts like they should just get a job like everyone else, or its their fault why they are out there and probably lazier than I am.  At least that's what used to come to mind and its what I hear a lot of people out there say when responding to the call of helping the homeless.

We have ways of dismissing things very easily without figuring out the situation.  Here is something to try. Next time you have a spare moment, go down and talk with that homeless guy we always see.  Find out their story.  You might actually surprise yourself with what you learn.  Really, what do you have to lose?

Does this man honestly look like he wants to be homeless?

The point of this blog is to look beyond the photographs and find out the whole story.  Let it be more than just a good feeling you get.  Let it inspire you and perhaps make the world a better place.