Critiquing Photography

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


1. Descriptive: My photograph of the Barefoot Wine at the liquor store is descriptive because the purpose of the image is to display the different wine options.
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2. Explanatory: Josh Edelsons photograph of the California wildfires depicts and proves the destruction of wildfires. The apocalyptic colors of the image also warn us about what climate change will bring.
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3. Interpretative: My photograph of a parking garage is interpretative because the lighting and angle of the image give the viewer an abstract and industrial feel. The viewer can come to their own conclusions about where and why the picture was taken.
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4. Aesthetically Evaluative: My photograph is aesthetically evaluative as it shows the beautiful scenery of the Newark Reservoir.
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5. Ethically Evaluative: Alessandra Sanguinettis photograph of the March For Our Lives Protest is ethically evaluative because it shows the horrible reality that young children have to worry about school shootings. The image hopes to educate the public that adults must protest to help protect innocent children against automatic guns.
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6. Theoretical: Ian Plant's photograph of flamingos is theoretical because it uses the reflection of the water to create more subjects in the image.
Multimodal Presentation
Synopsis: In my presentation, I explored the work of photographer Jim Goldberg, highlighting his innovative approach to storytelling through images. I provided background on Goldberg's journey, emphasizing his unique ability to blend documentary photography with personal narratives to shine a light on social issues.
I discussed three key projects: Nursing Home, which captures the intimate lives of elderly residents, reve; Gene, a timeline of family, identity and belonging; and Rich and Poor, a stark juxtaposition that critiques socioeconomic divides. Through these projects, Goldberg invites viewers to engage with complex human experiences and fosters a deeper understanding of the subjects he portrays.
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Perception: "Looking at Jim Goldberg’s work really changed the way I see photography. Before, I would mostly focus on what was right in front of me; like the colors or the people in the photo. But after reviewing his work, I realized there’s often much more going on beneath the surface. Goldberg’s photos tell deeper stories through little details, like the emotions in his subjects’ faces or the situations they’re in. Now, when I look at a photo, I try to think about what it's really saying, beyond just what I see at first. His work taught me to look for the hidden meanings and stories behind the image."