Question

Explain the affect(s) photography has had on documenting history and the evolution of Social Documentation. Name at least 2 well-known photographers who are famed for their examples of social documentation.

Answer 1

Photography first came around during the Civil War Era. The first cameras were used to bring photos of war back to the home front and let citizens see the horror war has to bring. As time progressed photography became a way to get people's attention onto certain important issues. Take for example mukrakers during the Progressive Era photographed people living in slums and tenements and even took street photography. In doing so these photos were able to bring awareness to the problems many people faced. Today photography has not only allowed people to bring about social change but it is also mainly used to tell a story about their daily lives. It has become a form of expression as opposed to the tool it once was. Some photographers famous for their social documentation would be Jacob Riis who lived during the Progressive Era and took startling images of the impoverished in New York. A more modern example would be Steve Mccurry who photographed stunning photos from the front in Afghanistan and letting people stop to think about what they are seeing.