Documentary Photography

Photoshelter

http://blog.photoshelter.com


The future of Documentary Photography

When researching around documentary photography in todays industry I came across this interesting article on Photoshelter.

The video is of an hour long conference of 4 individuals involved in todays creative industry. They are asked questions all around the subject of the future of documentary photography. They speak of whether documentary photography still has a place in todays industry or market and how it may change in the future. One subject which was brought up throughout the discussion was the emphasis on iPads, technology and social media when it comes to photography today. 

http://blog.photoshelter.com/2011/01/the-future-of-documentary-photography/

A really important factor which was brought up by Bess Greenberg the director of 25CPW about the importance of documentary photographers and how or why they put put their work. She voices that as documentary photographers in todays industry we should really be considering the outcome of our work. As appose to just producing work because its something we are passionate about or something we want to produce, we should be thinking about what the meaning behind our work is, who we want to view or react to our work, who our audience are and what we are trying to say through our work.

This idea links back to a previous post where I produced research surrounding grants and agencies who give funding to documentary photographers who's work have a greater meaning or purpose behind them such as the aftermath project where the aim of the photographers work is to expose those communities rebuilding their lives and communities after war. This is positive work which has a greater meaning and purpose to it than just photographers photographing what they like to photographer because it gives them purpose or satisfaction. 

TIME MagazineDeputy Photo Editor Paul Moakley brings up a point which I find really interesting and surprising. This point is something which is useful to hear when I am about to embark on the joinery of finding a job or career in the industry of documentary photography after leaving university. He actually explains how in todays age he receives so many emails, which is obviously relatable as I know we all do. He explains how if he is sent an email and he doesn't know who the person is, this is one of many emails like this he receives. He says how he remembers a person more or takes more of an interest in a person if they take the time to send him a letter or a print. He said he is more likely to check the persons work out if he is sent something physical like this as it sets the person apart from the rest. 

I am delighted to here this, as although I know this approach may not work with every editor or employer, it is an interesting approach to keep in mind if I thought this may be suitable for a particular job or opportunity I may be going for. 

The whole group explain the importance of physical prints and physical pieces such as photo books. Todays day in age everything is revolving around social media so much that the concept of a physical print means a lot to a viewer as its now more unique or maybe not considered as important anymore.