Notes on Photo Theory


From Criticizing Photography, An Introduction to Studying Images, 5th Edition, Terry Barrett

4 Branches of Philosophy

Ontology-branch of philosophy that examines questions of being and essence of things

Epistemological-Examination of knowledge, truth, and beliefs

Ethics-concerns of moral good

Aesthetics-examination of the nature of art


“To theorize is to offer answers to big questions and to critically examine answers to those questions.” P. 155

“Theories, like religion offer competing explanation of phenomena.” P. 155

Phenomena- an occurrence, event, happening, fact, situation, circumstance, experience, case, incident, episode.

“We all have assumptions and beliefs about phenomena, and these add up to theories.” P.155

“Theory affects the teaching of photography in colleges and universities.” P. 158

“Theory is placed here (in chapter 7) because the book proceeds from simple to complex critical procedures in the order of describing, interpreting, evaluating, and theorizing. “ P. 159

Epistemological Concerns: Are Photographs True?

Realist theory vs. Conventionalist

“You and I know that while photographs may not lie, liars may photograph.” P. 167

“Few people realize that the meaning of a photograph can be challenged completely by the accompanying caption, by its juxtaposition with other photographs, or by the manner in which people and events are photographed.” P. 167-Gisele Freund

“Photography never lies: or rather I can lie as to the meaning of the thing….never to its existence. “ -Barthes

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