Summary Of On Photography By Susan Sontag

According to American writer, teacher, and human rights activist Susan Sontag’s work, “On Photography,” Sontag concludes that although photography is traditionally seen as to capture precious family moments and history, it can also mean a defense against anxiety and can even be a tool of power at a lot of times. When taking pictures, it gives people the authority to take control or manipulate the type of image we want, helping get in touch with an unfamiliar environment we may be confused with, as well as becoming a self-framing practice on portraying our identities. I agree with Sontag’s analysis, because I also think that taking pictures is becoming a stronger defense mechanism we apply to the world, gaining our experience and gaining the

Thus, “photographs give people an imaginary possession of a past that is unreal, they also help people to take possession of space in which they are insecure” (Sontag 131). The art of photography is not only a soothing tool, but the power of self-productivity without having the thoughts of worry blocking someone’s mind. In this case, tourism is a modern day, popular example that Sontag uses where “photography develops in tandem” (Sontag 131). Tourism requires a lot of people to come out of their shell and encounter new habitats for a short period of time. Unaware of the different customs explored as well as the inability to communicate, these heavy psychological and social situations may cause people to feel uneasy. However, carrying around a camera and taking pictures of what one is experiencing creates a mindset of pleasure and peace. When all gathered up, these photographs create proof or certification that the trip was made, enjoyed, and well carried out. For me, I have always never thought about going on a trip without my high quality professional SONY camera, my iPhone6 with its brilliant zoom lens, as well as my tripod other extra photographic equipment. I have the natural instinct to grab my camera or smartphone and take pictures; not to capture the moment, but rather to avoid myself feeling confused of where I was and what exactly I am looking at or even doing. The more pictures I took, I was getting the feel of becoming close with the places I was visiting. After returning back home from a three month summer vacation in Korea, I printed out almost all of the photos I had taken. Looking through them the next several days, I was able to happily reminisce the good times that are now in the past. Just by reminiscing at the photographs,