Instructor comments: You have several quotes that are just "plopped" in the middle of a

paragraph with no reference to what it is. Integrate it with the sentence before (who said it) and
then cite after.
If you have a quote that is 3 lines or longer it needs to be a box quote:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/577/04/
Grade: 23/25

Highlight=Edited text
Maryah Dinane
Mrs.Intawiwat
ENG-111-25
10/11/2016
Ethnography: The Psychology of a Photographer

Common types of photography are black and white, landscape, fashion, wildlife and
many more. But what makes an individual choose their preferred photographic category? By
choosing this category, what message are they trying to portray? Why even take a photo?
Photographers capture an experience to create visual communication along with tangible
expression. The first photograph was taken by Joseph Nicephone in 1826 of the view from his
window at his estate: his visual stimulus inspired him to capture that mental picture and he
believed in his heart that the view from his window was significant enough create a way to
produce the first image. In context, the equipment is not essential for artistic value because the
photo is a reflection of the soul. So when you look at that colorful butterfly, why would you take

a photo of it? Well this is the essential purpose of this ethnography: The Psychology of a
Photographer. I interviewed Jesse Aguro to dig deep into the mind of a photographer. Aguro and
I went to high school together and he is now attending Savannah College of Art and Design. I
myself wish to study photography at some point of my life so, interviewing Aguro was a
reflection on my personal values.
I e-mailed 100 photographers inquiring an online interview, however I e-mailed them
about a week and a half before the due date of the ethnography so many of them did not respond.
The online interview with Aguro took place via e-mail and out of the 25 questions Ive decided
to only incorporate four questions (I did not ask them in order): 1. In terms of candid
photography, how does a photographer remain invisible to their subjects? 2. How would you
cultivate emotion without using the subjects face in the picture? 3. Is there a latent meaning
behind an aesthetic photograph? and 4. Do you consider photography abstract? Why or why not?
I began questioning him with In terms of candid photography, how does a photographer remain
invisible to their subjects? He explains:
All a photographer needs is an idea, motivation and confidence. To remain invisible one
must understand their environment and be willing to interact with their subjects so there
is a comfortable vibe. Another key is purely practice. Once you master how to be sleek
and stealth youll capture all the pictures your mind can immagine.
Aguro considers photography abstract as he justifies his point: [it] never has an official
meaning. Photography will always mean something different to me than to you or to the man
walking down the street. Which, in fact, is the definite answer to the question What is
photography? It is the compilation of varies perspectives and ideas that all into a single photo,
which is why there is so much more than the aesthetics of a photo. Going forth with the

interview I asked Jesse what the latent meaning of a photograph is:

The latent meaning behind a photo for me is, all the little details the photographer puts
into the photo in order to make the subjects skin glow, or make the ground look bigger
than it actually is or isolate that tiny frog in a huge forest. All the selections that go into a
photo are often missed. But in reality those details are the most important to the
composition.
As the interview is coming to a close I asked Aguro: How would you cultivate emotion without
using the subjects face in the picture? Aguro emphasizes:
Well I personally dont think you even need a face in a photo in order to bring emotion
to the table. You can tell by the condition of the individuals body what their story is. You
can tell by the characteristics of their hands, feet, lips, toes, whether they are delicate,
strong, withered, smooth, big, little, what their story is. You can tell by their gestures,
how they place themselves. Photography is all about story telling without words, trying to
get the audience to see what the photographer saw during the time of the shoot.
He specifies that photography is a story and how the photographer wants to connect with
his audience is how much of an impact the image will serve. Jesses responses cultivated the art
of how a photographer thinks and how that translates through a single exposure.
A picture resembles a story and stories are what shape the imaginative human mind.
Photography is politics, history, discovery, biology. Photography is the documentation of
evolution frozen in moments of time. In the photographic continuum, there will be a multitude of
perceptions, which makes photography so beautiful; there is no exact definition. Individuals can
look at the same image and perceive different ideals. Photography is often preconceived through
its technical aspects but even award winning fine art photographer Marius Vieth believes that

Your most important gear is your eye, heart, and soul. Setting aside photographys technical
aspects, and understanding the details of photographys psychology is the formula to a great
photo. Psychology is the science of behavior and mind along with aspects of conscious and
unconscious thought. Images shed light on issues that often evoke an emotional response causing
one to be motivated to act a certain way. For example: the iconic kissing picture from World War
2 or the infamous Muhammad Ali defeating his opponent. The better one focuses on their
psychological mindset, they better their interpersonal skills, relate to vast social groups, and
understand their environment to not only to capture the present but mirror communication for the
future. The decisions a photographer makes such as lighting, camera settings, or how to utilize
the subject are part of their daily ritual. A photographers talent to take action upon the latent
reality can be considered as a photographers third eye symbolizing their ability to catch
moments that would otherwise be forgotten and lost in time. (Kestenholz 1). Photographers
think instantaneously, yet efficiently. Since nothing has to be correct, little things blocking their
vision must be a conscious effort. This is how a photographer thinks.
What I learned from this experience is that in order to think like a photographer, one must
know themselves and know how to interact with their surroundings. Being comfortable with your
environment and knowing yourself will mentally bring you opportunities, allowing you to get the
shot you need. Also being adventurous helps the photographer break mental and physical
boundaries that may not have been present if the risk wasnt taken. Think of famous street
photographer Henry Cartier-Benson, he didnt ask every individual the permission to take their
photo. He was as invisible as the wind in order to capture his environment in its naturalistic state.
Which brings me to another quality of photography, thinking and acting quickly. A photographer
reacts to a great emotional kiss, or a powerful action shot without thinking about others

reactions. They are trying make a connection [and express]

emotion=life=association=impact (Ming Thein 1). I want to be a photographer or at least obtain
ample knowledge about the subject. I want to explore the depths of photography by taking
photos all day, reading articles, expanding my knowledge. I conclude from this experience that I
want to follow my true inspired eye.

Works Cited

Academic sources:
Exhibitions: Joesph Nicephore Niepce
http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/permanent/firstphotograph/niepce/#top
General sources:
Thein, Ming. Photography and Psychology: Its All a Mind Game. 03/12/2013
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ming-thein/photography-and-psychology-part1_b_4380400.html
Kestenholz, Daniel. The Psychology of Photography. 13/11/2012
http://www.the.me/the-psychology-of-photography/
Jenn. The Importance of Photographs. 31/03/2014
http://www.thelostdaughters.com/2014/03/the-importance-of-photographs.html
Interview:
Jesse Aguro. Colleague. Savanna College for Art and Design. Graduating class of 2019