Useless Photographs?
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Forewarning, some philosophizing below!
Being present during the birth of digital photography, one of the biggest fears heard at the time in response was the declining value of a photograph. The impending peril of film photography was at our doorsteps. As with most things digital, all the advantages of the zero-processing turn around time of image files drastically affected the jobs market.
Throughout the years, I’ve been philosophically giving consideration to every photograph/image ever made throughout history. That is, do they/did they exist though I’ve never seen all of them? When a photograph/image hasn’t been viewed in a long time, even forgotten about, does it recede out of existence? Practical reasoners may argue, of course not!
In the history of the universe, is a photograph/image temporary? Within the time span of humanity and invention of photography, is a photograph/image temporary? The main reasoning for this existence notion is but a random thought from the mind of an individual that doesn’t have any psychic, paranormal, or mind reading capabilities—nor astral projection or immortal abilities in order to test these philosophical notions of existence (whether permanent or temporary).
For purposes of this newsletter, “photograph” is a photographic print, photo card, or photo in a book. “Image” is any digital file.
Now on to photographic values, what is the value of an image such as this? How often would one need to view it to reignite memories? Determining that emotions and memories are the values you obtain. Being a digital file, what could you do if there was a blackout at the time you wanted to view it on your desktop computer? Or, if your cell phone or tablet just stopped working when you wanted to view it. How important would it be for you to get them working to satisfy your emotions or memories?
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The memory of a moment or object shown in a photograph/image, and the feelings they foster within us are the reasons we hold on to them. In this digital/social media age, have we subjected images to the maelstrom of our throw-away society?
An individual’s personal value of their own photographs or images can be vastly different than those documenting an historically significant occasion. Particularly offering shared commiseration or enjoyment of a significant moment in time.
Upon my first arrival at the Grand Canyon, this image was the first one made. It’s competent, and a great representation of what I saw. By being the first image on my first visit, it should hold greater emotional value than others. It represents the experience of being there. Since the day it was scanned, I’ve not pulled it from the archive to view until now. I forgot about it. Its sentimental value is important, though that did not cue me to review it at a later time.
Often times, a memory needs another memory to spark it.
Another rather significant image in my life. Taken with a Koni Omega 200 Camera, from one of the first rolls of film put through it after buying. Since photographing, processing, and printing it, I’ve viewed the image on computer screen a dozen times. I’ve viewed the actual photograph at most, three times—none in the past decade. Is this amount of viewing time significant or insignificant for treasured photographs?
Whether you’re old enough to have placed the bulk of your photographs in a shoe box or physical photo album, or placed images onto your cell phone storage—are you mindful and remember each and every one? If so, your eidetic memory should suit you well through the rest of your life. Everyone else will probably need to review theirs often to rekindle the thoughts each one evokes.
Some of the ideas above were also part of a photographic vlog I produced with Marc & Greg, two photographers who happen to be college mates and good friends.
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I appreciate you taking time in your day to read this newsletter through.
Til next time…
Cheers
Although I enjoy this kind of light reading once in a while 😉 I don't think I've ever thought that deep about my photographs and I am not sure I ever will. Although, I did start my Substack so I 'do more' with my photographs - including the ones I took 15 or 20 years ago. Then at least I look at my photos more often 🙂
So much to unpack. Does a photo exist if it escapes your memory? Is digital Photography a throw away? Does a print impact you as strongly as a digital image? Are you trying to blow our minds? I'm not falling for it. Instead, here's what I have to say: i am sitting in a pub in a neighborhood miles from my home. I have not been in this pub since 2020. With a few clicks, i can tell you the precise date because I have photos of a girl on a lake with a goose that I took after purchasing canned beer to go from this place. Driving into the parking lot a few minutes ago, that image came to mind as if it were yesterday. I know where I was sitting, how i framed the shots, the weather.... everything. The mere memory of the image -- which I have recently viewed, btw -- brought me back to that day and to this pub in a full-body memory. Not simply a vague recollection.