Chapter 1
Ritchin opens chapter one by describing the versatility of the photography and its span across time dating from the mechanical age but also playing a large role in the digital revolution. Computers have helped to open up an entire new world of possibilities in the photography field, but have also changed other medias such as music and text. Photography has evolved from “light writing” using silver and film to an image created from thousands of tiny pixels and stored in data form. However, advancements in time have also made photography less of an art form and delicate process. These days all you have to do is press a button on your phone or web cam and the picture is taken. Ritchin comments that it has become like the common text message or email.
Chapter 2
Ritchin opens chapter two while commenting on the similarity between digital manipulation and changes being made in DNA research and body modification. Ritchin mirrors the two subjects by saying that photography manipulation is preparing us for societal changes. However, I think that looking at all the physical manipulations people do to their own bodies via plastic surgery and dieting mirrors some areas of digital photography manipulation much better. I’ve seen examples of commercial beauty ads of celebrity photos where the images have been digitally enhanced (as Ritchin gives an example of with Mel Gibson) to make the subject more beautiful, which in turn makes the buying public want to achieve the beauty themselves. The problem is, the digitally enhanced versions are often times unachievable. Ritchin gives other examples of how the media has used photo manipulation to sell more of their products. The images Ritchin shows reminded me of a more recent controversy regarding Ralph Lauren clothing ads (here is the link to the add is you are interested: Here)
Thanks for the link!
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