Cotton Chapter 1 Summary

Photography is frequently used to illuminate reality or to create a completely fictional truth. These types of photographs are generally staged, or performed, for the sole purpose of conveying a certain message. These constructions can be in the form of specifically manipulated scenery, poses, colors, or other symbolic elements. This is also known as photoconceptualism. Repetition is another powerful way to reiterate a point in photography. This can be thought of as retesting a hypothesis to prove it is correct. In all of these scenarios, the goal is to make the viewer consider the implications of these staged images, to place him- or herself into a participatory position in order to delve deeper into social and cultural phenomena.