How can photography affect culture in the modern world?

People today look towards the media for both information and entertainment. Photography has been a massive part of our culture since it was invented in the early 19th century. Since then it has evolved into something that everyone does and is influenced by. With the recent dawn of online social networking photography has become something that everyone does and something that everyone is affected by daily. People are always snapping pictures of what they're doing or where they are. Photography has certainly entered a new age.

Photography is always a big part of getting information out in a way that is far more influential than simple words. When people see a picture on the front page of the paper or on the cover of a magazine they instantly form a connection to whatever the story is about. They can actually see what is going on. Photos such as "Tank Man" taken in Tiananmen Square during protests in 1989 are able to spark deep and real emotions in the people that see them. Photos of the protests and revolt going on in Libya right now have made it possible for people to understand, on a much deeper level, what is actually going on there. Photography is one of the most important ways of getting news to people in our world today.

Photography effects people far more than just emotionally too. Photography is one of the best ways to sell a product, because when people see a photo of someone good looking holding a product, or wearing certain clothes, or driving a certain car, something inside makes us want whatever that person has. We all want to be the best versions of ourselves and photography makes it possible for people to form connections with products and picture themselves with the product as a better version of themselves.

I want to learn more about photography's effect on our culture. What makes a person really connect to a photo ? What photos have changed our culture the most? Clearly photography is one of the most influential aspects of modern media, but what has led up to this point? With this blog I will be exploring these questions and more. I hope that both I as a writer, and you as a reader, can learn new and interesting things about this huge part of our society.