Hi all, beginner amateur photographer. I've been very much enjoying reading and watching more historical and philosophy reviews and critiques of photography alongside learning about the technical side of things. I came across this interesting critique by Jared Tapy on YouTube. Which you can also access on his Substack. https://youtu.be/cOj075sjRyU?si=eFLfefSs88qxg2Gm
I wanted to start a discussion on this, and would love to hear from both experienced and less experienced photographers, what they think about Jared's argument - noting that he comes from a particular genre of photography. I have some questions below.
While I think I understand what he's trying to do (provoke challenge make us think), which I appreciate, there's a few things I'm wondering about with his argument (leaving a side the fact that he's definitely using chatgpt big time to write his text which is somewhat ironic).
Questions
- Isn't his critique highlighting the reason why there are different styles of photography and different philosophies?
- He's a photojournalist/ documentary photographer, and from what I gather it requires a specific skillset and level of comfort with certain situations. I wonder, to what extent is his critique coming from a place of privilege as a young, well articulated and connected "pretty" white man? He probably can access stuff in ways someone less privileged may be able to. Like his critique isn't neutral.
- If "aesthetics photography" is dominating algorithm like he says, and knowing how algorithm work, doesn't this say something about HIS algorithm and his perhaps unconscious following of more aesthetics photography?
- If the algorithm does promote aesthetics photography over perhaps less polished storytelling ones (according to whatever definition) - Isn't the fact *most* people do like aesthetics photography and are trying to replicate it because people like it, a demonstration that there's a photography movement that people actually enjoy? Isn't that what the point of photography is? To just enjoy ourselves (especially for beginners!)?
- Because of the ethics associated with photography as social/political documentation (in the way he does), isn't it important for this genre to not be exploding in the mainstream? I have strong ethics regarding taking photos of people in more vulnerable situations and I believe this should be left to professionals who are governed by ethics either from institutions or that went through formal education. But I could be wrong.
My questions/reflections will probably show my level of knowledge, experience - and I'm here to learn and exchange respectfully. I welcome any views!
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