Dorothea Lange has a great deal of influence on photography today. The way she took her photographs was a different type of way that previous photographers had done. Instead of showing what people wanted to see, she showed what she actually saw, meaning she showed reality instead of fantasy. She also focusing on real people in the field, instead of portraits, posed pictures, or still life. Her revolutionary ideas paved way to others taking similar photographs. Think of a time you've seen a picture of a person in a economical crisis. Does it look natural or posed? If it looks natural, does it have a hidden meaning or convey a message? If it does, the photograph you're thinking about was probably influenced by Dorothea!
When Dorothea was hired by the FSA to convince legislation to support the migrant workers, she took persuasive pictures that showed why they should be helped. Many modern companies, businesses, or charities have the same purpose. They try to convince the audience that they need to help their business. So when they try to achieve their goal, their persuasive techniques are in close relationship to Dorothea's picture. The picture in the top right corner is an advertisement from the charity, Feeding America. Look familiar? That's because the child in the illustration has the same characteristics of one of Lange's photos, "Damaged Child". The tiredness in their eyes, the ragged hair, and dirty face. Their purpose is the same, too. The illustration wants you to see how this young girl is starving and in need of food, and how you should help her. The photograph wants the audience to see her terrible conditions and serious expression, and is trying to convince the audience to help her and do something about her condition. This drawing resembles Lange's pictures because charities know what type of advertisement works: an advertisement that was inspired by Dorothea Lange. Dorothea Lange also has an influence on individuals today as well. She has inspired many women to know that they have the talent and skill to change photography, even though they are women. Dorothea Lange also inspired photographers to take cameras to the streets instead of making their art in a single room. Now it is easier for photographers to express their artistic vision because Dorothea has succeeded while showing hers. |