When you romanticize something, you kill it quicker than you imagine. This is not a lesson on love, per se, but how we view the world, especially in photography. If you have spent time on social media, you may have encountered a ‘trained’ way of seeing. While a particular perspective can be seen in every genre, it shines the most when it pertains to a place or a community. If you are scratching your head, scroll down and read more about the harms of romanticization in photography.
The Intersection of Photography and Love
How often have you or your friends visited a particular place or community because you simply ‘love’ it? You may be enamored by their traditions or way of life, but that should not be why you take lousy photographs. Let me paint you some colorful examples. The sadhus (monks) in the ancient city of Varanasi in India have been photographed multiple times, as have the Tibetian monks in Ladakh. In either case, we have encountered multiple images that portray each group in a certain light. For instance, the sadhus enjoy a chilum (tobacco pipe), whereas the Tibetian monks enjoy their free time with games or sports. While nothing is inherently wrong with making these images, sometimes, you must stop and question: is this how I perceive them?
From early on, we are taught to imitate others in photography, as it is the easiest way to learn the medium and the instrument in your hand. However, depending too much on a particular ‘style’ of seeing robs you of your unique vision. For instance, the images come from South East Asia and Africa, often depicting the region as abject poverty. This was the romanticization of Western photographers, whose gaze could not comprehend the abundance of diversity. However, we must also consider some photographers, like Mary Ellen Mark and Sebastião Salgado, whose works have shown us stories that otherwise would have gone unnoticed. Often, when the former type is taught in schools or disseminated through social media, many who couldn’t question or understand the larger meaning replicate the cliched photographs. Thus, too much romanticization in photography stereotypes a place and its people. Eventually, the masses who view such pictures also have preconceived notions about the region. Today, when significant photography platforms give space and weightage to local photographers, we finally see pictures that go beyond objectifying or limiting a community or place.
How to Avoid Romanticization in Photography
This is the most important part of your learning curve, so pay close attention. There are a few things that can help you to stand out from the rest. So, you must practice these points. At least some of them, if not all.
- Research: Let’s see you are traveling to Brazil to document the carnival; the first and foremost step would be your research. And we don’t mean just the place but also the community that organizes these events. Through them, you can easily connect with other locals, who will inform you of their traditions and ways, which one may not often find online. By merely finding the right contact and reading up about the significance of the place and its people, you are one step closer to differentiating your work.
- Talk to locals: If you remember the story of Sharbat Gula, the Afghan girl Steve McCurry photographed, then you are well aware of the circumstances in which he made the picture. While McCurry is a man on an assignment, how he captured the image led to a great debate in photography circles. Consent is a must, but so is familiarising yourself with the people who you photograph. One can never simply barge in because they have a camera in hand. In fact, that’s the worst thing you can do to yourself and the person in front of your lens. Sit down, have a chat, know their names, and then see the wonders your work can do.
- The intention is the king: At the heart of every good project lies the photographer’s intent. Looking at the works of W. Eugene Smith, Diane Arbus, and even Gordon Parks, each photographer knew exactly what they wanted to say. It is very easy to hear of an ‘unfamiliar’ community or place and get carried away in the ebbs and flows of becoming the first person to photograph it. But it is your goal that will give your photographs a distinct flavor.
- Reflection: Some of the most unique works have come from reflection and self-awareness. Either is not easy to achieve because it requires you to take a break from the outside noise and look within. It is a meditative practice, but it can also annoy a rookie. If you know you want to capture a community for a particular tradition, then you must consider why you are drawn to it. When you look at the people, see how you truly perceive them and then get that in essence in your images.
- Play with your gear and compositions: If you have figured out all the above-mentioned points, it’s time to unravel your photography through the instrument. You can utilize various cameras and lenses to make an image that stands out and tells a story. For instance, Renan Ozturk and Mark Synnott captured the last community of the Gurung ethnic group, who defy death every time they go to collect wild honey in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Climbers themselves, Ozturk, and Synnott captured some truly inspiring images that highlight the ancient ways of the Gurung group, urging us to conserve their ways.
- Keep trying: Creating distinct images takes time. It’s not something one learns efficiently on the first try. It takes exertion, unlearning, relearning, and, more importantly, the ability to get up and do it all over again. If you have photographed a place/community, then give it some time. Let your brain marinate in their traditions for a bit before you begin your edit. After some time has passed, you will gather a fresh perspective. If you feel something is amiss, visit the community again. I know it’s easier said than done, but this can significantly improve your project.
The next time you romanticize a place or community, take a step back, come back to this article again, and jolt your senses a bit. There is nothing more disrespectful than creating images just for a few likes.