"With photography a new language has been created. Now for the first time it is possible to express reality by reality. We can look at an impression as long as we wish, we can delve into it and, so to speak, renew past experiences at will"
About this Quote
Ernst Haas, a pioneering photojournalist and professional photographer, offers a profound viewpoint on the transformative power of photography in this quote. He posits that photography has developed a brand-new language, an innovative ways of interaction that did not exist previously. This metaphorical language allows us to reveal "truth by reality", recommending that photos catch and present the world in such a way that is straight reflective of the world itself, without the interpretive layers that other kinds of art, like painting or writing, might include.
Photography, according to Haas, offers us the unprecedented capability to stop briefly and inspect moments of truth. Unlike fleeting impressions that pass through our perception, a photo freezes time, enabling us, as audiences, to "take a look at an impression as long as we want". This capacity to stop and engage deeply with a particular minute is both a technological innovation and a philosophical shift. It democratizes the act of seeing, allowing individuals to revisit and re-experience minutes at will.
In addition, Haas recommends that this capability to look into and renew previous experiences has significant ramifications for memory and individual history. Through pictures, minutes are not simply recorded; they are protected in a kind that enables them to be re-encountered and re-interpreted throughout time. This element of photography cultivates a dynamic interaction between the past and the present, as each viewer brings their own experiences and feelings to their interpretation of the image.
In essence, Haas highlights the profound impact of photography as both a medium and a technology. It goes beyond simple representation to become a conduit for experiencing reality, using an enduring and accessible means of connecting with the past in the present. Photography therefore acts as a powerful tool for communication, reflection, and emotional resonance, forming how we view and engage with the world around us.
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