photographing the soul

“Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man.” ~Edward Steichen




“I just think it's important to be direct and honest with people about why you're photographing them and what you're doing. After all, you are taking some of their soul.” ~Mary Ellen Mark




I do think that there is truth in this quote. In a way, you are taking a part of the person you are photographing. You are shooting with an idea in mind, wanting to convey something about that person and that moment to others who look at the piece. You are trying to leave a part of what makes that subject who they are on the film and most times you are hoping that it will leave an impression on the viewers soul as well. Photos have a way of relating feelings, emotions and stories to viewers in a way that no other medium can do. Because of this power, photographs do record a portion of the soul. It is also a way to record and relay history, a way to tell the story of the earth and what man has done to it whether it is for better or worst. Since images have a way of touching people like nothing else, photography can be one of the most valuable tools we have to teach each other about ourselves.