Documentary Images: Visual Information Made to Order

Abstract

This paper discusses the nature of documentary images, which appear to be inherently true, self evident visual statements. However, a degree of visual literacy is required of viewers before appropriate image understanding can occur. The nature of the image as icon, index, and as symbol combined to provide a powerful reinforcement of historical and current assumptions regarding documentation. Image construction and understanding are both prescribed by codes which may introduce additional meaning into the photograph. The work of Walker Evans, and other documentary photographers are used as examples of the multiple messages that are imbedded in documentary images. Finally, contemporary image technologies, scanning and digitizing are discussed within the documentary context, the use of such technologies raises questions about the ethics and credibility of photographic information.