This week’s readings taught me several different notions regarding photography. Firstly, photography does not necessarily have to represent reality. There is much more to a photograph than simply the photo itself. It is salient that one takes in the entire context occurring both within and outside of the photo; that way, a person can properly interpret what is truly taking place. Then, I learned that it is necessary to speak your truth. Although Bayard did get his title snatched right before his eyes through the deception of others, he also carried on. He didn’t let one miss ruin his whole photography career. Instead, he spun it as a way to generate more art and to express himself as openly as possible. This is clearly seen in his photograph, “A Drowned Man.” Finally, I have come to understand that the photograph has taken on many forms throughout the centuries. People wanted easy access to photography from the very start as it provides an aid to showcase a person’s identity. Photography is relevant and meaningful not only to the viewer but also to the photographer of a particular image.
Watching “Finding Vivian Maier” completely changed my perspective on the readings. Vivian never really sought fame. She was solely after self-expression and self-identification. While I was reading the works, it seemed as though a lot of artists got caught up in the fame aspect of photography. Everyone wanted to be an artist, especially during the emergence of the tintype. As a result, I began to understand that not everyone was seeking recognition for their art. Many people, like Vivian, just wanted to have a medium available to them where they could express however they felt. For many people, photography did just that.
The Steinhaur response greatly impacted my interpretation of Maloof’s intentions. Throughout the entirety of the movie, he framed his quest to learn about Maier’s past as purely innocent. He seemingly wanted Maier’s work to be recognized for the true genius for what it is. However, through Steinhaur’s lens, a polarizing story is being illustrated. It seems as though Maloof is fame hungry and putting in all of this work towards his own personal gain.
The best and worst thing that can come from the discovery of Vivian Maier’s work is that her work is now on display for the world’s viewing. It is the best thing because her work was absolutely beautiful. It has the power to elicit a range of emotions. Also, her work is so moving that it even has the capability of inspiring others to pick up their own camera. This also acts as the worst thing because Vivian Maier may not have wanted her work to be on display. Because she was so fragile, there is a possibility that she never wanted to have her work critiqued by others; this holds especially true now because she isn’t even alive to explain what her work actually signifies.
Those possibilities affect my life because it serves ultimately as an inspiration. It positively benefits me because it makes me understand that I must live to my life’s fullest. It is apart of the human experience to express oneself. Without art, our lives on earth would be extremely dull. However, this also can be framed in a negative light.
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