What is a photo that captures the heart?
In today’s blog, I would like to look at today’s trends from major photo exhibitions in 2024.
I hope that this will be an opportunity to think about the question in the title, “What is a photo that captures the heart?” Because we see countless images every day, the value of images is decreasing. Among them, aren’t memorable images the ones that truly capture the heart?
The shift in Photography: AI and Innovation at Paris Photo 2024
Paris Photo is held every year in early November. This photo market attracts galleries and buyers from all over the world. Last year’s trend was the first photo exhibition by AI (I didn’t go last time, but I heard about it from a friend), and will this year’s level surpass that?
Many images made me pause and ask, “Is this a photograph?”
Some mimicked the textures and depth of paintings , while others explored the boundaries of photography through intricate collages. Even the frames and display techniques added unique dimensions to the works, showcasing the creativity and innovation redefining the medium.
Are we tired of Photography? The need for special, meaningful Art
As I mentioned earlier, with so many photos in circulation, it seems that many people may feel exhausted by them. This could be why gallery buyers are looking for images that stand out as something truly unique or extraordinary. It’s no longer just about seeing a photograph, but about experiencing one that resonates on a deeper level.
Portrait photography: Capturing the Essence of Real People
Then, in mid-November, the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize 2024 was announced at the National Portrait Gallery in London. I am a portrait photographer, so I check it every year.
The good thing about portraits is that they are photos that follow real people, rather than creating something new with AI. Portraits capture the essence of real people—their unique personalities, struggles, and stories, often conveyed powerfully through their eyes.
Aging and Family: Two powerful themes in contemporary portraiture
One of the selected works was on the same theme, and that was “aging” and “family”. Perhaps it is a trend.
One photographer follows the daily life of a grandmother who accepts her old age but lives cheerfully, while another photographer interprets old age as a sign of farewell.
Thus, the same theme is totally different, isn’t it?
Another interesting theme is “family”. I have been taking family photos for a long time, so this theme has always intrigued me.
The theme of family has always intrigued me, especially as family structures continue to evolve. Today, we see more diversity in families—such as stay-at-home fathers and blended or nontraditional families—which explains why some people take this type of photo.
Why Aging and Family matter in contemporary photography
Regarding the theme of “aging,” medical science has developed and life expectancy has increased, so for many people, the big question is “How will I live until I die?”
For example, the wish to live with self-respect until the end, the aspect of family ties, and the environment in which old people are cared for can be interpreted in a wide range of ways.
From a visual standpoint, perhaps this is because works that capture the slow, everyday life of the elderly have not received much attention until now.
However, photographers could work on the choice of the background, objects which could reflect the person with intention. This kind of image would be stronger than just an illustration of their daily lives.
A Portrait of Hope: Love, Resilience, and Breaking Stereotypes
Finally, I would like to conclude this blog on “family” by mentioning one photograph that captured my heart.
The work that gave me hope was a portrait of a little boy with Down’s syndrome sitting on the lap of his mother. Their appearance was filled with sweetness and love, just like baby Jesus and Mary. In fact, when I read the explanation of the work, the model-mother said that she only felt joy as a gift even though she had a child with such a disability. No wonder that energy of love was conveyed through the photograph.
But in fact, that image reminded me of a long time ago when I worked on a work (2015) filming a mother and her child with a disability. I was so shocked when the mother I contacted to be a model said, “I want to be left alone.”
I think that even with the same issue, life can change 180 degrees depending on how you perceive it as a parent.
The Power of Photography to break stereotypes and foster empathy
If more people in the general public were exposed to images like this portrait of loving families who are living normal, loving lives despite their disabilities, I believe that stereotypes about people with disabilities would be broken down and public awareness and social consciousness would evolve. We should not underestimate the power of a single photograph to tell a great deal.
In this sense, the portraits resonated with me and gave me hope that society may be a little more open than it was 10 years ago.
The enduring power of Photography in the Age of AI
In today’s world, where AI and endless digital imagery challenge traditional photography, the heart of the medium remains its power to connect us to deeper truths. The portrait of the little boy with Down’s syndrome reminded me of the enduring ability of photography to break stereotypes, evoke empathy, and tell stories of love and resilience.
Photographs like these remind us that humanity—captured in the authenticity of a mother’s embrace or the dignity of aging—will always outshine the artificial. These are the images that truly capture the heart, leaving an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.
Written by Momi
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