The Photographic Story

This is the book that fascinates me the most presently (on top of the other read as well by Soyinka, the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature). On Photography is a collection of six essays by American writer Susan Sontag. This is a brilliant book. Beautifully written, intelligent and thoughtful. In my dreams, I wish I could write like her.

On Photography makes one think and question our societal construction of images - what ought to be preserved, what ought to be displayed, who decides what goes into the picture frame etc. Photographs we take are more than just mementos of a lived experience. It is a reconstruction of a present for the future. We keep pictures not only for memory but also to inform our children and grandchildren of the lives we had. In doing so, we reconstruct this present or future for that matter by carefully selecting pictures that are flattering, that depicts joy, laughter and good times. These are pictures we proudly display on the shelves. The rest that reminds us of sadness and pain will essentially remain hidden in that little shoe box and stored in the corner of the drawer to collect years of dust.

Importantly, this book has allowed me to understand why I take photographs and why I value them and will hold on them to dearly. It allows me to capture the life around me that I normally otherwise would not have noticed. It gives me great pleasure to take a snapshot of a face I secretly adore. Beautiful photographs bring wonderful sentiments along with them. For me, it far beyond what the picture says, it's what the pictures conjure in me each time I look at it that matters more.