The relationship between photographer and subject can be just as important as just the subject being in the frame. Even subconsciously, you are portraying your own thoughts on the subject into your work. ‘The subject usually faces the camera, and the contrast between subject and photographer hangs palpably in the air that separates them. It is across this agreed-upon distance that all sort of power relationships and tensions between or among the people involved are negotiated. The picture itself records this exchange.’ This quote from Roswell Angier suggests that an image is not just of the subject, it documents the relationship between them and the photographer.
Richard Avedon’s portraits are the perfect example of this. He did not speak to his models while he worked. He moved around the room, staring intensively at them. For many people, it led to photos where the subject appeared quite intimidated and uncomfortable. This would be quite the contrast compared to someone who walked in and was more friendly. Without even instructing the model, they would react to the situation in a different way. This shows that almost more than any technical aspect of the picture, the relationship between the photographer and subject will be more of an influence.
In some cases, having more of a relationship with the subject can be effective, you can add more emotional value to the work. In an article by Denise Keim, she wrote that when she was photographing, people often asked her if she was working for a newspaper. When she says it is for her own work the subject appears more natural and relaxed. ‘It becomes a more intimate experience, about me and them and the camera.’ As a documentary photographer, this isn’t always possible. There can be cultural difference and language barriers that stop you from developing the relationship with the subject.
‘Documentary photography is a medium of aesthetic expression in which form and content need to collaborate with the subject matter to capture an unchangeable image. This collaboration provides an active examination of contemporary society and a presentation of experiences to enhance historical and cultural awareness.’ The photographer has the freedom to express his own views about the subject to portray a certain message. How the photographer shoots will affect how the viewer reads the image.
I have read lots of articles about the relationship between photographer and the subject. They all say how important it is and that it can really change how the viewer interprets the image. Photography is so much more than just the technical aspects. In my project the relationship is very important. My work is personal and almost of me discovering who I am and what I should be doing. I need to make sure that I don’t portray any of my own thoughts when photographing people but at the same time, I can connect to the subject emotionally.
Lucy Davis 