Sontag-On Photography

The thing I enjoyed most about this reading was how the photograph/ still image was looked at in a different way. I thought it was interesting how the photographs physical characteristics were brought into play; comparing what a photograph is physically with what is in it. The photograph is lightweight, easily accessible, and is of course more mobile than the television. In my opinion, television has dominated still imagery. We live in a very fast-paced, media driven world and I couldn't help but ask myself where still photography comes into play. Don't get me wrong, we see still imagery everywhere. But in a world with you-tube, advertisements, video games, etc; how do the two weigh out? Maybe a bit of a stretch, but is it fair to compare television and photography the same as you would mp3 players and record players? Just a thought.

Another element of the reading I picked up on was how photographs were compared to video and painting. In the early part of the reading, Sontag writes that painting, television, and writing are all interpretations while photographs are more like elements of the world. At the end of the day, aren't they all the same? On one hand I can see where she's coming from. On the other, I'd have to say I  disagree. I think a photograph is no different in the sense that there is deliberation within the process. A painter will set up a canvas in a field he or she feels needs to be replicated, just the same as the photographer trying capture a moment. In my eyes, I see little difference.