Do you add captions when posting photos, or do you often leave them out? Words in photography serve to narrow down the interpretation amidst the ambiguity photos inherently possess. In this edition of 'Knowledge', we focus on the connection between photos and words, two different media.
Reading a Photograph
Photos always contain hidden stories. To understand these stories, the 'context' indicated by the photo is indispensable. In Japanese, 'context' is translated as 'background' or 'context'. To verbalize the experience of viewing a photo, the explanation of the 5W1H behind the photo is always questioned.
Let's take a clear example.
I'll show you two photos now, and think about which one captures your interest.
First, the first photo.
Next, the second photo.
The first view of the Sea of Japan. The endless sea stretching to the horizon shook my heart, making me forget the passage of time.
The difference between these photos is the presence or absence of captions. There is no way to verify the truth of what is written. However, even if we are looking at exactly the same thing visually, a single word can make us perceive it in a completely different way. Even if we simply call it a photo, the medium in which it is displayed—be it a book, newspaper, gallery, or Instagram—and the words accompanying the work, or even the presence of hashtags, can change how the image is perceived. The power of context is so strong that it can be said that a photo is already complete with the context lurking before and after the shutter is pressed.
Image by betty
#sea
Words Guide Photos
Photos may appear objective at first glance, but the perspective and meaning of viewing them vary among viewers. Here, words play a role in limiting the freedom of specific perspectives or interpretations for the viewer. By adding captions, explanations, or related text, photos can convey a more concrete and clear message. The expression on the opposite end is the notation of art pieces as 'Untitled' or 'No Title'. This method does not limit the viewer's perspective and infinitely expands the range of imagined context.
Image by Ikumi Watanabe
A new attempt at a work
Dialogue Between Words and Photos
The interaction between photos and words brings deeper insight and empathy towards the work for the viewer. The emotions and stories captured in the moment by the photo are enhanced by words, imprinting vivid memories in the observer's mind. This dialogue is the key to unlocking the depth of photography and the joy of viewing photos.
