Can Photographs Change the World? Yes They Can!

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A. Above is a photograph that has affected me personally—in fact, very recently. This is Emma Chamberlain: a YouTuber, business owner, model and fashion icon. I have been a huge fan of Emma for as long as I can remember, growing alongside her as a person. This photo was from this past spring/summer during Paris Fashion Week where she was wearing MIU MIU. This photo of Emma—as well as many others—truly inspires me to keep putting in the hard work. I aspire to live my life like she does one day; traveling the world, brightening people's days, and most importantly, finding happiness and fulfillment in getting to experience such a unique job and lifestyle. I certainly keep tabs on Emma Chamberlain and what she is up to, so I can confidently say that images like these will continue to have a profound affect on my life. 

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B. The first example that came to mind of a photo that changed the world was most definitely Rosie the Riveter. I would be truly blown away if someone told me that they have never seen this image. For context, during the World War II, women filled the shoes of the soldiers in the workforce. This was a crucial point in the history of women's rights and equality in general. I do not think I have had one history teacher in my entire life who did not have this poster on the wall of their classroom somewhere! 

C. Section 1: In the video that touches on the story behind of the image of Boris Yeltsin dancing, the speaker notes how "incredible" it is "how one ephemeral moment in time can be captured and amplified by the click of a shutter" (0:37-0:44). I loved the use of the word 'amplified' here, because that really encapsulates the impact that just the decision to take a photo can have on the world. To those witnessing him dance in real time, the moment was over in the blink of an eye. However, the photo being taken now allows us to analyze and look back on this moment in history that probably seemed like it wasn't the biggest deal at the time that it was actually happening. I also would like to reference when Professor Nordell pointed out that "if you can't publish [a] photo, it's maybe not worth anything." I like the way that this quote puts photojournalism into such a unique perspective in such few words. Everybody knows the phrase 'a picture is worth a thousand words,' but it's true—without sharing that picture with anyone it holds significantly less value and power. 

C. Section 2: I liked the media consolidation article because it did not beat around the bush. A sentence that really wowed me was: "companies like Comcast would rather spend billions to kill off their competitors than improve their service." Although I do truly believe that those who view photojournalism have the power to interpret something any way that they want to, this is where I make an exception. It is crazy how much is hidden from the public eye and flies under the radar on the daily regarding relevant news and current events. Similarly, in the big media companies article exposes companies like Walt Disney and 21st Century Fox for being way too preoccupied in competing with each other than actually focusing on what really matters: "some media companies are once again seeking refuge in larger conglomerates." No wonder companies across the world in countless different industries have already peaked—clearly none of them have their priorities straight! 

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