Chapter 1-Can Photogrpahs Change the World

We live in different worlds, yet we share the same planet. Photographs impact everyone differently, in a way that what might change someone’s life, change their views on the world, or how they view themselves and the people around them. These deeply captivating pictures are being taken every day, but some do not make it into the spotlight to shine and receive its proper recognition. Why it that? Well— 90% of everything we see, hear and read is controlled by 6 most companies according to Business Insider.

The pictures taken by talented photographers and photojournalists are the ones that get published and viewed by many. Images like the ones seen in National Geographic and Time magazine are all ones that get honorable acknowledgment. The people that take these astounding photographs are the same people that risk their lives to cover the news that is taking place around us. National Geographic states that “Photographers use their cameras as tools of exploration, passports to inner sanctums, instruments for change”. Photographs like the one taken of Elizabeth Eckford do just that. This image showed one of the first black students to go to an all-white high school in Arkansas. At this point in time, this was a very important news that was captured for America to see. This was ground breaking information that was taken in that moment and now a part of our country’s history.

Photo by: Will Counts, 1957
Image Source: http://www.photographyschoolsonline.net/blog/2010/30-photos-that-changed-the-world/
 

Robert Draper from National Geogrphic states “a great photograph can explode the totality of our world, such that we never see it quite the same again”. The image taken of Iskra Lawrence is a definition of that. There’s a big number of- people that have manipulated what the essence of beauty is. They forget that there are 3 billions of people on this planet, and that’s how many different types of beauty there is in the world. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there are no rules, or guidelines that define what true beauty is. Instead of embracing what we were born with, we try to change ourselves to fit the “standard” that has been set by the media. Our personality is lost within the bristles makeup brushes and behind the baggy shirt that covers the natural curvature of our bodies. Women have lost their voice along with self-esteem to fitl the media’s generalized status quo. This images represents how women should embody their identity. This model has become the new face for Aerie, showing off their new undergarments and swim wear. She has inspired millions of women and young women in the world to love and apprechiate themselves, no matter their size. She demonstrates body positive attitude and puts to shame those who think otherwise.This image alone changed my self-image. It taught me that it should not matter how much a woman weighs or how tall she is to be beautiful. The photo is comical yet speaks out to many women facing difficulty loving who they are and what they looks like. I see this photo and I instantly become motivated to block out my own inner negativity and begin to love myself, despite what anyone else has to say.

Photo by: Instagram/iamiskra
Image Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/plus-size-model-shuts-down-fat-shamers-in-most-123148840.html
 

James Nachtwey from Time states “It’s the combined work of all of us, together, that builds the critical mass of information and insight that creates change and helps make the world a better place”. This is in fact very true. Citizens like myself and others in the community have a voice, and it should be heard. the photographs taken by average day people are what shine light onto real, true stories. Famous social media accounts are booming with regular people taking photos of the life around them, the struggles that they face and overcome. Those are the ones that are creating impact on the world without knowing it. CNN iReport speaks about Citizen Journalism and mentions: “Journalism has been forever changed --thanks to the fact that people can interact with media organizations and share their opinions, personal stories, and photos and videos of news as it happens” . Photojournalism has progressed so much over the years. All pictures can change the world and the talent of capturing the rawness of each story is purely something that should never be hidden.