Viewing a photo is akin to having a discussion on the topic of conversation. Why? You may ask, because everyone has an opinion about it.

A photo can reveal an individual’s inner being on how they perceive the world. It’s not just about the point and click to let the camera do all the work. It’s about the idea behind why the photo was taken and in the manner for which it was shot. Why did the photographer choose the subject and why was it shot in that particular way? This is one of many questions that come to mind when viewing someone’s work. The photo is the closest imprint of the mind of an individual evidenced in capturing what the photographer saw at that point in time.

Photography also provides knowledge of people, places, or things. I would have never known what the outer surface of Earth or the sunken Titanic would have looked like if it wasn’t for photography or, its cousin, film.

Furthermore, photography is historical. It provides us a glimpse into the past and preserves memories that may have otherwise been forgotten.

Then, of course, there is the aesthetic value that attracts one to admire its existence simply due to the photo itself. The aesthetic value, I feel, is one of the most intriguing things about photography. People can look at a photo and have varying opinions about the same subject. It reveals individuality and is a reflection of the free mind to express oneself in a manner that defines who they are. This is the theory behind all Art, which is the freedom of expression and the ability to share the creative self with others.

Here are some samples of individuals work on a single subject expressed in their own creative way:

The Light Bulb



Taj Mahal



Statue of Liberty



Eiffel Tower



San Francisco Bridge "Golden Gate"