Black Mirror
Photography was once an art of contemplation. Iconic images of the 20th century told stories, captured emotions, and required patience and a keen sense of the moment. Every shot was carefully thought out because photography had a cost: time, effort, and a roll of film. Photographers immersed themselves in the worlds of their subjects, earning their trust and, in return, gaining access to intimate moments meant only for those closest or for the chosen few.
We can see this approach in the work of Mary Ellen Mark, Diane Arbus, and Josef Koudelka. They looked where others didn’t dare—documenting outsiders, homeless children, prostitutes, people on the margins, and a world in chaos. Their photographs were raw, filled with truth, empathy, and a timeless power. They broke taboos, provided insight, and revealed glimpses of places and people who, by choice or necessity, lived differently. For them, photography was a means of expression, a way to understand a world that did not fit into conventional norms.
Photos made by: 1-3 Josef Koudelka, 4-6 Mary Ellen Mark, 7-9 Diane Arbus
Today, photography has become an everyday act—everyone has a camera in their pocket, and images are created in an instant, without thought or reflection. We not only have the ability to document the world, but also the freedom of expression that photographers of past decades could only dream of. Yet, instead of saying something meaningful, we often waste this space on trivial matters—rather than telling stories, we photograph our own reflections on screens.
Images are losing their value—they no longer serve to capture truth but to construct an image tailored to algorithms of likes and engagement. We retouch reality, creating a world that does not exist, and photography ceases to be a testament, becoming just another filter in social media. Instead of experiencing life, we consume its digital illusion.
Let’s ensure that we return to photography that, in 50 or 100 years, will leave behind truth—not just a digital façade.
recomendations:
On line magazine about photography: https://independent-photo.com
Diane Arbus Gallery: https://fraenkelgallery.com/artists/diane-arbus
Josef Koudelka Gallery: https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/josef-koudelka/
Mary Ellen Mark Homepage: https://www.maryellenmark.com
cover photo: