Nature is akin to an unframed painting. Each object and subject which exists and which are created has its own value. The value of an object also depends upon the purpose of its creation. The form of value which exists depends on mankind’s perception and view of the object; and the view and perception evaluating the object depend on the individual, the culture which surrounds it and the values which exists within the individual himself.
A picture conveys a thousand words to the person who sees it. Through the truthful soul of the photographer, various events, action, countenance, views and so on present in the photo can be appreciated by the pair of eyes that is viewing it. While good photography instills value upon the photograph.
What do we mean by ‘photography’? Photography is a process of composing a picture and the reflection of light from an object, which goes through the lens, thus producing a photo. This field applies two important bodies of knowledge – science and technology. Science refers to the state of the community which continuously studies and researches its surroundings; whereas technology is the product of man’s observation of his surroundings.
The technology contained in the equipment to capture photos is called a camera. Currently, there are many different kinds of cameras that can be used, which possess all kinds of functions that are easier to handle, producing photos that are of much higher quality compared to cameras in the past. Among the types of cameras used are the Compact Zoom, Zoom, Lens Reflex Polaroid, Compact Digital, SLR digital, Under water Camera and many others. The use of digital camera simplifies the recording and display of photos. In fact, there are instances where the captured image is more beautiful than real life.
Photography is an effective medium of communication. Aside from a medium for research, education and historical recording, images produced through photography can also contribute in the field of marketing, and become a record or evidence for certain groups. For example, the police require photos related to events or scenes, as evidence to be used during court trials or in order to solve a criminal case.
In general, a photo can also evoke emotions in some individuals, lending longevity to events or objects which then become invaluable memories and history. For example, photos of World War Two which can bring about a sense of repentance, nationalism and contribute towards research for the next generation. Images that contain marketing propaganda, on the other hand, have a great impact on profit and loss for a business.
Why are photographs regarded to have its own power compared to other mediums of communication? This is because the eye that captures the image cannot lie or manipulate what has been captured, compared to the use of words. According to Rudolf Amheim, a photo is not merely decorative; in fact it is a medium of communication which can be understood by all mankind – an impossible edge to remove.
The display of certain images moves the viewer to think about certain things. An image is able to convey a story without sound, regarding whatever subject, regardless of language, and in fact, has a deeper impact on the soul of the viewer.
This is the real role of a photographer. Not only to capture what is happening spontaneously or through planning, but to also add value to the image so as to evoke a good reaction in the soul of every human being that sees the photo. More importantly, photos that can change man’s perception towards his life and his Creator.
What is the connection between photography and life? Did you know that through photography, various events can be captured completely? No matter how long ago the event took place, the image recorded can re-tell the story of that event as though it happened just yesterday. That is the connection between photography and man’s life, whether with his surrounding, with his fellow man or with his Creator.
However, just as words can be manipulated by man for certain purposes, photography also faces the same fate. Hoaxes can be detected in photography, as a result of the purpose for which these photos were taken or displayed. For example, images that are captured to bring about the downfall of an enemy in the aspect to politics, marketing or career. Such propaganda issues don’t usually drag the photographer into the centre of the controversy because that is just the nature of his job.
Photos can also act as a ‘liar’ to society when they are used as a marketing medium for consumer goods and products. The ‘lies’ told by such photos begin with technologies that are used such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Nero Photosnap and various other software which can be used to modify a photo almost 100%. Through techniques in ‘touch-ups’, normal photos can become abnormal ones.
For example, in order to promote a beauty product, a model will be used as a lure. Using certain techniques, the model’s photo can be edited, either by changing her skin to seem fairer, or change her body shape to be thinner, producing an image that is different from model’s real image. By displaying ‘the perfect woman’, consumers will undoubtedly be attracted and this will increase the product’s marketing revenue.
The same applies to Saddam Hussin’s portrait photo before he was hanged by the US. Saddam was portrayed as a tired old man, defeated, with bloodshot eyes and unkempt beard, akin to an abandoned tramp, a far cry from his face before, which reflects complete power and strength. The unkempt portrait of Saddam was displayed repeatedly to signify the downfall of Saddam’s golden era in the hands of the US.
Once upon a time, and perhaps even to this day, the photos of Malaysian artistes fell prey to technology when, through the use of ‘super-impose’ techniques, the photo can be changed to suit the appetite and passion of the person manipulating these photos. In this aspect, the photos no longer possesses the noble and true values, when they can be so easily hacked by anyone for the purpose of disgracing and embarrassing the artistes. How easily any irresponsible person can disrobe an individual through such techniques.
And how can photos be manipulated as a medium of missionary using such technologies? Just like in any other fields of careers, photographers also have a social responsibility. The art in photography may not be readily accepted by some groups that do not like to see certain types of photos. However, through increasingly sophisticated technologies, images produced through the observation of the photographer can be applied in many fields.
Beautiful and good photos can be displayed in whatever medium for missionary purposes. For example, print mediums such as magazines, books, newspapers and so on, can choose and display photos that are suitable for the purpose of education or to deliver a clean message to its audience. In fact, reading materials are more effective when interspersed with attractive images.
Photos of beautiful natural landscapes can make mankind realize and reflect upon its Creator. How Allah Almighty has created something beautiful to be admired. And usually this beauty invites a sense of repentance or evokes a sentiment within an individual. Not to mention through displays of life sketches or social documentaries such as the life of a farmer, fisherman, child-beggars, the disabled and so on, which will surely invite all kinds of feelings through the eyes of those who views such visual arts.
As a good photographer, whenever possible, the photos produced should contain certain messages which act to open the minds and hearts of those who view them to think. Nevertheless, just how far will such efforts be appreciated by the eyes that views it? As photographers, there’s not much that they can do except to take the photos and display them to the public.
Maybe a photographer can display to the public the real world of Muslim society. This way, all misunderstandings and confusion that exist about Islam can be eliminated little by little. The interaction between Muslim and non-Muslim can be streamlined with the view of the same creative image. The task of creating awareness within the community through photography is not an easy one; however, this effort should not be viewed as a trifle. Continued efforts will also create a huge impact upon future generations, which are increasingly forgetting their Islamic beginnings as the cornerstone of their lives until their death.
For the society, photos that are displayed have many different interpretations, based on the background and values that exist in their lives. As such, the photographer does not have complete power to instill ‘good photos’ to be used as missionary mediums for the public. What’s important, as a photographer, they must be aware of the effect such photos will have on the community, whether good or bad. And a good photographer must be fully responsible for the photos they display. |
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