Photography is a widely practiced hobby that serves multiple purposes such as documenting important moments for families, capturing beautiful images, exposing the harsh reality of war, and even following famous individuals. Its influence on society surpasses any other media form due to its integration in film and television. The world’s attention has shifted from written words and paintings to photography, which has led to significant impacts on various aspects of society including civil conflicts, social networks, medical advancements, space exploration, and overall societal changes.
Historians claim that photography had a significant impact on war in several ways. Matthew Brady, a renowned photographer, introduced the public to gruesome images of battle for the first time at exhibitions in New York and Washington. These images were later reproduced in engravings in newspapers and magazines of that era (Niller). The American Civil War witnessed the publication of these photographs in newspapers, shocking the masses (Salama). It marked the first instance of war being visually documented for the public, providing them with a firsthand experience of the realities of death (Salama). Prior to this, people had only relied on tales and often embellished accounts of heroes, which were not always accurate (Salama). However, when they saw photographs depicting dead bodies, blood-soaked fields, people armed with guns and covered in blood, their perception of war was dramatically altered (Salama). Witnessing death with their own eyes was an entirely different ordeal from merely hearing about it (Salama). Consequently, war began to be viewed as a much graver matter of life or death (Salama). The New York Times aptly expressed this sentiment on October 20, 1862, after Brady’s New York exhibition, stating, “Mr. Brady has managed to convey the horrifying reality and seriousness of war to us. Though he may not have brought corpses and placed them in our yards and streets, he has achieved something remarkably similar” (Niller).
The use of social networking websites has allowed people to share their daily stories and interests through photography, creating a platform for building social relations among individuals with common interests or activities. Over the past decade, the internet has transformed from being seen as a haven for nerds to becoming one of the most crucial communication tools globally (Salama). One significant aspect of this communication revolves around the uploading, sharing, and downloading of photographs (Salama). Facebook alone is home to over ten billion pictures and counting, a feat made possible by digital cameras (Salama). However, it is important to note that photos can also be used against individuals, as demonstrated by paparazzi capturing images that invade celebrities’ privacy. These photos are often misconstrued and exploited for publication, potentially damaging other people’s reputations. Whether it involves sharing wedding pictures or documenting a crisis, digital photography has entirely transformed the way people tell their stories (Salama).
Thirdly, the medical industry has greatly benefited from the advancement of digital photography. Hospitals require the assistance of medical photographers who utilize digital cameras and flash (or 35mm equivalent) to capture images of patients in various settings, including the wards, operating theaters during surgeries, and post-mortem rooms. These photographers employ specialized techniques and equipment, such as micro- and macrography, thermal imaging, time-lapse cinematography, endoscopy (for internal organ photography), and photography beyond what is visible to the naked eye. These digital images can be easily transferred and stored alongside relevant patient data, allowing them to be sent to any hospital worldwide. This eliminates the need for physical film and enables instantaneous results for procedures such as X-rays or reference photographs. Additionally, photos can be stored on a hard drive rather than occupying physical storage space. It is worth noting that several endoscopic procedures would not be feasible without the technology of digital cameras.
Photography has been essential in the exploration of outer space, enabling scientists to capture images of previously unseen phenomena. The digital cameras on the Mars Exploration Rovers have provided valuable insights into the once mysterious planet (Salama). By processing images as data and transmitting them over long distances, our understanding of the universe has greatly expanded (Salama). Additionally, satellites play a vital role in our everyday lives by facilitating global communication through electronic devices such as cellphones, TVs, internet, and radios.
Lastly, it should not be forgotten that photography has raised concerns in society, causing discomfort and insensitivity. War and pornography photos always create controversy and there is fear that disturbing or explicit images are easily accessible to children and society as a whole today. (“knotphotography”) Furthermore, photography plays a significant role in tourism, shaping the perception of local inhabitants through the lens of a camera for the creation of a “tourist gaze”. (“knotphotography”) Nonetheless, we cannot ignore the impact that photography has on society and our lives.
Is it possible to capture life’s memorable moments without a camera? The answer is no! While not all of us have artistic abilities, we can transform our individual photos into something extraordinary. Photography is not just about preserving moments or taking pictures. It is a means of expression, communication, and art, while also creating cherished memories. It is astonishing how a simple camera can greatly impact our lives. Whether it is in documenting historical events like the civil war, capturing the essence of social networks, aiding in medicine, exploring outer space, or shaping society – photography has brought about significant changes to the world we live in.
