Beep. Flash. Laughter. Beep. Flash. Laughter. And then three or four digital cameras exchange hands quicker than conversation; this happens at almost every party I go to these days. And I have to wonder, what’s with people’s obsession with taking digital photographs?
Don’t get me wrong. I love taking photographs. Photography has enabled artists, photojournalists and ordinary citizens alike to capture history in all its trials and triumphs, and you can convey your world view with a click of the shutter. The medium is both a powerful tool and extremely attractive because it is visual, and we as a society are visually oriented.
Yet the ease with which photographs are taken and erased with digital cameras seems to eclipse the uniqueness of everyone’s perspectives as represented through photography. More often than not, digital cameras serve to document moments in people’s lives that make them appear to mirror socially accepted standards of what is popular. Reflection, as is important in the photographic process, is lost because more energy (and less time) is put into crafting one’s “image.”
I’ve observed time and time again people taking digital photographs to show that they are fun and well-liked – that their Fridays and Saturdays are one crazy night after another. Perhaps the images will then be posted on Facebook.com or Myspace.com for all to see, and thus there isn’t a shortage of seemingly drunken photographs on the Web sites displaying sexual conduct, alcohol consumption and wacky props like oversized sunglasses or hand puppets.
However, reality may be a stark contrast to what the digital photographs reveal. In our consumer culture where manipulated images in magazines, movies and television commercials are the norm, taking misleading photographs at a party is also commonplace. People go from feeling awkward and bored to looking happy and illuminated as soon as a digital camera enters the room. They may not be having a good time, but at least they can look like it.
This is because we are consumed by the digital age, and we have shifted from being imaginative to mere imitators of the status quo by capturing ourselves in ways that make us look cool. And in our need to have instant gratification through the viewfinder of a digital camera, our experiences with those around us become mediated. Instead of interacting with people through conversation, we interact with them through a camera lens. Discussion at parties revolves around whether a picture was good and not around information about our lives, aspirations or desires.
Thus, the dynamic of drunken photography takes on a whole new meaning in its digitized form. You can begin to question whether people are partying because they genuinely find it enjoyable or because unruliness is photogenic and able to go from your camera to your computer, and consequently your influential peers, in a matter of seconds.
It has been said that people from indigenous cultures historically disliked getting their picture taken for fear of losing their souls. In this way, you aren’t being true to yourself when you use digital photography to fabricate a visual reality for the benefit of others.
Nonetheless, it’s fun to party, and it’s a blast to take photographs. But I will continue to do so, being mindful of honestly sharing my experiences with others. And in instances where I hear the beep and see the flash of a digital camera, I’m usually on the other side of the room smiling and laughing – not because it is expected, but because life is most magical when you’re not posing for a camera.
Kellyn Gross is a student at the University.