Photography Reading

Notes on reading:


-Since its invention in 1839, photography has provoked numerous controversies and
sensational trials.
- The photographic image has been at the centre of important ethical-debates and legal questions throughout the 19th and 20th centuries
-Most major photographers have been drawn into legal proceedings or controversies -important repercussions on their careers.
-Ever since 1839, when photography is officially considered to have been invented, photographers-Authority is also exercised through the control of reproduction rights.
-Nowadays, photographic collections - 19th and 20th century work have become financial and historical treasure
troves.
-the right to exploit an image and political policies- why are certain images appreciated -others are censored or prosecuted- distributed in certain circumstances but prohibited in others
-concerned with legal or ethical issues

My Thoughts:

I found this very interesting to read also the examples on the page held very contrasting views. Linking back to previous discussions on situations of what is right and wrong to display as a photograph in a exhibition, there is always going to be mixed views on these! For example the whole issue that arose with Nan Goldin's exhibited photography caused quite an uproar; some people agreeing it was art work, others saying it was unethical as it was children being photographed in an obscene way. Is it classed as pornography? Despite the fact it was her own children this again could bring up the whole arguement in this reading about rights and is it ethical. I personally felt shocked and uncomfortable by these images, which is some artists intentions, but i think theres a very fine line between photography and ethical issues when it comes to children. For example, they do have rights that they may not be able to stand for until they are at an age they understand what is going on and whether they agree with it. On the other hand the the photographers have managed to create the unease they set out to create with these images.
have had to fight for their images to be acknowledged as artistic creations justifying protection by
copyright.
-From the mid 1850’s on -several major philosophical and cultural issues-dealt with in courts of
law.