“A representational photograph says, 'This is what Vienna looked like.' An interpretational photograph goes one better and says, 'This is what Vienna was like. This is how I felt about it.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by David duChemin, the distinction between a representational photograph and an interpretational photograph is highlighted. While a representational photograph simply captures the visual aspect of a scene, an interpretational photograph conveys the photographer's emotions and perspectives about the subject. This quote underscores the power of photography to not only document reality but also to convey personal experiences and interpretations.
The Power of Interpretational Photography
David duChemin's quote emphasizes the importance of interpretational photography in capturing not just appearances, but also emotions and perspectives. In today's visually-saturated society, where social media feeds are filled with representational photographs, the ability to convey personal interpretations through photography is more relevant than ever.
Interpretational vs Representational Photography
"A representational photograph says, 'This is what Vienna looked like.' An interpretational photograph goes one better and says, 'This is what Vienna was like. This is how I felt about it.” - David duChemin"
Reflection Questions
When looking at a photograph, do you find yourself more drawn to representational or interpretational images? How do you believe the photographer's personal interpretations and feelings about a subject influence the way we perceive the photograph? Can you think of a photograph that you interpret differently based on your own emotions or experiences?
Similar quotes
“Vienna, to me it was the tuning fork for the entire world. Saying the word Vienna was like striking a tuning fork and then listening to find what tone it called forth in the person I was talking to. It was how I tested people. If there was no response, this was not the kind of person I liked. Vienna wasn't just a city, it was a tone that either one carries forever in one's soul or one does not. It was the most beautiful thing in my life. I was poor, but I was not alone, because I had a friend.”
“I photograph to see what the world looks like in photographs.”
“A story isn't like a smoothly running engine, but is rather like a photograph. Photos can never be a perfect representation of what an eye looking at the same subject will see, partially due to the limitations of lenses and emulsions, but largely due to the conscious choice of the photographer.”
“He walked upon 'earth that is as unsteady as the sea,' and found the remnants: photographs of children in Warsaw and Vienna; a bit of Ukrainian embroidery a sack of hair, blonde and black.”
“A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed.”