Assignment 2- Review
Name: Isabella Susnica

I declare that in submitting all work for this assessment I have read, understood and agree to the content and expectations of the assessment declaration – https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services

Blog Reflections

Week 5 – Analogue Photography
Week 6 – Analogue Video
Week 7 – Networked Photography
Week 8 – Networked Video

Word Count: 1099

1. Provide a definition for ‘analogue photography’

Through a technical lens, analogue photography refers to the practice that involves the use of tangible film in order to take photos which are then developed from film into print in order to be viewed. In saying that, Wells (2015, p14) argues that ‘once a technology exists, it may become adapted and introduced into social use in a variety of both foreseen and unforeseen ways’ and so, we learn that analogue photography is not only defined through its physical attributes but also its social standing. That whilst historically film was the only available method of photography, its use now is shaped by the nostalgia felt when using a film camera and homage to analogue photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson.

    2. Provide a definition for ‘analogue video’

Analogue video is captured through the process of using a film camera to record what is seen through a camera lens onto light sensitive film frame by frame. In turn, if the footage needs to be edited, the editing process entails making physical changes to the filmstrip. For example, the removing of particular frames would mean cutting those particular frames from the filmstrip. In saying this, the affordances of analogue video are shaped by the technology used to produce and display the footage. For example, Nam June Paik is known as a pioneer for the analogue film industry as he specialised in modulating film in order to create pieces of art. His work showed people new ways to use analogue video.

    3. Provide a definition for ‘networked photography’

Networked photography encompasses the relationship between authoring and publishing a photograph to an online realm. A networked photo can be authored using any kind of camera such as a digital camera, a phone camera or a film camera. What makes networked photography unique to other forms of photography is that the platform in which the photo is published guides the subject of the photograph. What this means is that networked photos are photos tailored to a particular viewing platform (Instagram, Tumblr, etc.) for a particular audience. The creator becomes more concerned with fitting into the aesthetic of the app in order to receive a high level of engagement with their post rather than having their own unique style of photography. Even self-proclaimed photographers such as Bryant utilise the interest in internet culture to ensure a high level of engagement. In turn, networked photography is a collection of photos centred around the degree to which a photo receives exposure to an audience.

    4. Provide a definition for ‘networked video’

Networked videos are videos published online through a range of host apps or websites that enable the video to not only be viewed, but to be engaged with through means such as sharing the video, thereby establishing a network of ways in which the video can be distributed. Therefore, a video can be described as networked if it can be distributed to an audience in more than one way. For example, a video published to YouTube can also be embedded into a website. This means that whilst the video can be accessed through unrelated websites, the video itself ties the two locations together and so, creates a network in which someone can navigate within to discover more.

    5. Provide definitions for the terms ‘authoring’, ‘publishing’ and ‘distributing’

The act of authoring, publishing and distributing photos or videos is highly dependent on the affordances of the equipment and software used. In turn, the following definitions will correlate with Instagram as in the digital era, Instagram has become a hub for photo and video content. Manovich (2016, p11) reveals that ‘according to one estimate, 2.5 trillion photos were shared or stored online in 2016 globally, and 90% of these photos were taken with a smartphone.’ Therefore, it is important to recognise that Instagram and the prevalence of smartphones are guiding the following processes.

Authoring is the equipment used to capture a photo or video. For example, a smartphone camera may be used to take a photo. In turn, as the smartphone was used to bring the photo into existence, it is what authored the photo.

Publishing refers to the processes used to ready the photo or video for viewing. In terms of publishing to Instagram, the process involves using the software of Instagram to upload the photo or video. For example, someone must take into account the limitations of Instagram such as the size of images and length of video allowed on Instagram.

Distributing refers to the methods used to increase the reach of a photo or video to an audience. Instagram allows users to tag accounts within the post as well as in the caption and comments, to use hashtags, to share posts through DMs, etc. All of these contribute to making the post visible in multiple places.

    6. What differences and similarities did you discover between the way analogue and   networked photos are authored, published   and distributed?

Both analogue and networked photography offer distribution of photos of places or people want to see. For example, showing a country that was expensive to travel to during the 1940s, or distributing exclusive photos of your favourite YouTuber. But in mentioning YouTubers, differences become apparent. Due to the rise of ‘Instagramers’ who are paid for the content they produce, taking photos to publish and distribute within Instagram becomes an idealistic method of making money. Palmer (2014, p253) argues that the ‘shifts [in photography] introduced by the camera phone relate to the communicative role of photography in social media such as Instagram’. Therefore, photography is diverging from being purely an artform into an opportunity to communicate a lifestyle through particular photos in hopes it will receive attention from brands who can sponsor the posts. Furthermore, as analogue photos had to be printed in order to be published, distribution could only occur in places where the physical photo could be displayed such as through exhibitions. Nowadays, apps such as Instagram or websites allow someone to create an online portfolio of their work which is automatically made accessible worldwide.

    7. What differences and similarities did you discover between the way analogue and networked videos are authored, published and distributed?

Through comparing the work of Nam June Paik and Joey Kidney, it can be noted that both analogue and networked video generally still involve using designated video cameras to author content. The reason being, that they both have a similar goal in communicating an idea. In saying that, analogue video is more strictly based around publishing and distributing a single copy of a video due to the limitation of viewing devices. On the other hand, networked videos allow for the sharing of videos across a multitude of online platforms. This distribution can even allow for the linking of different mediums such as Joey Kidney’s podcast and Instagram. Overall, the main difference is that networked videos can be distributed more than analogue video but film is still quite consistent in authoring and publishing due to the equipment accessible for authoring, editing and in turn, publishing.

 

References:

Manovich, L 2016, Instagram and Contemporary Image, University of San Diego, USA.

Palmer, D 2014 ‘Mobile Media Photography’, in G Goggins & L Hjorth (eds), The Routledge Companion to Mobile Media, Routledge, New York pp. 249-255.

Wells, L 2015, Photography: A Critical Introduction, 5th edn, Routledge, Abingdon, U.K.