Literature Review: The conversational image. New uses of digital photography

Gunthert, A. (2014) “The conversational image. New uses of digital photography,” Photographic Studies, 31(Spring), pp. 54–71.

André Gunthert's 2014 article, "The conversational image. New uses of digital photography," addresses the emerging concept of the "conversational image" within the context of contemporary digital culture. The author investigates the democratization of the photographic medium in modern society and explores the transformative potential of digital photography to facilitate and enrich communication.

Through an incisive analysis of the democratization of the photographic medium, Gunthert notes how social media platforms and digital photography enabled the emergence of a new paradigm of image-making, which prioritizes conversation and exchange over traditional artistic practices. As he argues, the "conversational image" is a new form of visual communication that reflects this trend towards more participatory and democratic modes of cultural production.

The author argues that the rise of social media and mobile devices has engendered a shift in the creation, circulation, and consumption of images. Gunthert notes that the affordances of digital photography, particularly its accessibility and ease of use, have paved the way for new forms of visual culture that emphasize communal dialogue and the construction of meaning through conversation. Thus, the "conversational image" constitutes a mode of photographic expression that is not solely concerned with creating aesthetic value but takes into account the communicative possibilities of the digital medium.

To that end, Gunthert offers practical insights for photographers who wish to create "conversational images" leveraging the potential of the digital landscape. He suggests that photographers embrace participatory and interactive elements to inject a social and communal aspect into their work and create images that prompt conversation. In this way, he argues that photographers can challenge the conventions of traditional artistic practices and engage audiences as active co-creators.

Given the proliferation and ubiquity of digital technology today, Gunthert's article is of great significance. It calls for re-evaluating what it means to create and share images in a digital age. It highlights how the photographic medium can be leveraged to create new cultural expressions and meaning-making forms. Gunthert's insights will be valuable to my project and research as I attempt to use technology to find new ways to engage and allow viewers to see landmarks in a new light.

In summary, "The conversational image. New uses of digital photography" serves as a thought-provoking and stimulating piece of research in the ever-evolving field of digital photography and social media, providing new insights into how this medium can be harnessed to create images that engage with and reflect the communicative and social aspects of contemporary culture.