How to understand the PUNCTUM in PHOTOGRAPHY - Roland Barthes’ CAMERA LUCIDA

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How to understand the PUNCTUM in PHOTOGRAPHY - Roland Bathes’ CAMERA LUCIDA
Roland Barthes' 'Camera Lucida' is a book of philosophical musings on photography, originally published in 1980. He coined the terms Studium and Punctum to describe the cultural meaning and personal meanings respectively. However, he finds a problem in that in order for an audience to understand what the meaning of a photo is, they have to already be familiar with the topic and believe in the message. Therefore, a photograph with only a studium does not trigger a deep emotional connection for us. The most we can do is like or admire the image, but it won’t affect us in any kind of profound way.
So why then do some images hit us on a deeply emotional level? What constitutes a punctum, and can the photographer really control how a viewer reacts to their work?
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Your use of visuals to accompany the dialogue in place of B roll is so good.

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it really is

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Such a great video as always. After watching your videos I set out with my camera for a day just to take pictures. I’d never done it before but it was great fun.

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whatever inspires people to take action is worth reflecting upon. jamie’s offerings do the same for me. on a weekly basis at least

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I feel like each video essay you put out surpasses the one before and that is ASTOUNDING, since they are all so good, consistently good and rich in substance! Everything is distilled to pure quality, visually and thematically too! 💯

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Spot on praise. 100% agree.

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distilled! this word is jamie’s work here in a nutshell

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yes

[@zacharyreimer5113]

This makes me wonder what other books have I not yet read but probably should. Perhaps there could be a list of book recommendations in the future? This concept of a book summary was executed very well, and incredibly enjoyable.

[@BrunoChalifour]

Other classics are Susan Sontag's "On Photography" (makes most photogaphers gringe, but a good read, one often used as a reference), Vilém Flusser's "Toward a Philosophy of Photography", Lewis Baltz's "Texts", Robert Adams's "Beauty in Photography", John Berger's "About Looking"... for a start.

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Yes! Good idea 👍

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@@BrunoChalifour Many thanks! I'll certainly be saving these for later.

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a list. yes! i feel the same way

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Bruno Chalifour I read Sontag's book and immediately gave it away. Her histories of famous photographers were interesting but I could not accept her conclusions about them; e.g., that Diane Arbus' suicide proved that her work was sincere.

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Jamie, your videos are so clever, so thought provoking and so beautifully produced. Thank you.

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Garry Winogrand would take a whole year to develop his pictures. He said that he needed to be emotionally detached from the pictures.

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And also because he shot a lot of rolls, he didn't have enough time to develop them, not to mention seeing.

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I can completely relate to that.

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Not forgetting the 2,500 rolls that he never developed..! 😁

[@_oe_o_e_]

Same, yep, that’s exactly why I take so long to develop/process/edit my photos, that’s all it is 👀

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@@jamiewindsor This reminds me of something that the Gangnam Style guy said. He was being interviewed on some British entertainment show, and was asked about creating this phenomenon that is Gangnam style. He said I didn't create it. All I did was write a song. The public created the phenomenon. He was actually very humble about it. I wish American actors and musicians would be that way, but most of them have an arrogance beyond all bounds.

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Notification Squad, UNITE!! I always get stoked for a new video from Jamie!!

[@SummersSnaps]

After a wedding I leave it one week before even LOOKING at the images. I edit another month later. I try and tell the clients to be as patient as possible, it's about editing, leaving it, coming back, having a look again, retouch the edits, continue on, so on so forth. These images they will have forever, for me they leave the nest relatively quickly. The longer they leave it with me the more gold I find and I steer the images better. It's just hard to explain that. Maybe I bookmark this video and copy the url into every post wedding email, heh.

[@FTrovatten]

This is why I watch every video you upload Jamie! So interesting! I’m currently dealing with structuring my book from Mexico City and I actually though about splitting the photographs up based on where they were shot. But now, I’m certain that I’m going to structure the photographs based on what they show and what they convey. Thanks for this!

[@jamiewindsor]

Thank you. Curating a pagination for a book can really change what story it tells. Juxtaposing 2 images on a spread can add a whole new meaning that isn't present in the photos individually. Best of luck with it!

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wow! instant practicality i feel the same way about his channel

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One Jamie Windsor for a hundred McKinnons

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Don't be toxic man. They have their own places.

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McKinnon is more 'pop'. He has different contents, YT is a business to him. Jamie goes beyond, deeply. And as it s known, in the deep you encounter very few people than on the surface...

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@@aytraf exactly!! people want to compare & then create a toxic environment for not only the content creators but the viewers as well.

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@@aytraf Peter is transitioning into more of a lifestyle channel. Jamie is the mvp, but there's niches for everyone.

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@@Zagardal (Long) gone are the days when people learnt cool photography tricks from Peter. It has mostly been a vlog.

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I’ve just discovered your channel and after having being living in sort of a languishing void of the past year it has really reignited me in a creative way. Thank you so much

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Love from Iraq a big fan of your content bro ❤️🇮🇶

[@daniellmiller]

As always, James, very thought provoking. I align with the concept that our photos need to have a "punctum" to create that emotional connection. But as soon as we place that as our objective we are shooting for the audience and not ourselves. After decades of client work it's been hard as hell to get those voices out of my head.

[@NorbiWhitney]

Jamie this was truly a step above. A real masterpiece of a video, along with a very important message. It's only for something small like instagram, but I'll often go back and look through my archives to find stuff to post, and new photos jump out at my every single time. Thanks for taking the time!

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Glad to see you back, it's been a long time, and I really missed to learn more from your videos, homework to do and a new book to find and read! 🙏

[@redsphotos1856]

Jamie, you have helped me a lot in my photography career, you and books like "Photographic Seeing" by Andreas Feininger and "Complete Photography" by National Geographic, with all this I have developed into an award winning photographer from the US gov and I just wanted to thank you. I took photography all four years of highschool and this was my last, my teacher told me before I left I'd be used as an example for the other students that are coming after me. Your work helped me start thinking less like a photographer and more like an artist. I need to be an artist to be a photographer, so thank you for helping me unlock that.

[@Paul_anderson_creative]

It is always good to question yourself... Photography being just one aspect... A pleasure to hear your musings, always thought provoking. Thanks

[@my.penny.wagers]

My master's is in poetry, so I first learned about Barthes through literary theory. (1) I think you did a great job summarizing his work here, Jamie, and as always, great video. :) (2) I find just about everything Barthes suggests to be full of air. Sometimes, I think his explanation fits my reaction to others' work. But, I can honestly find no punctum in several iconic photographs that resonate deeply with me and indeed, the context of their message was revealed to me by the image alone; I had no prior knowledge of the subject matter prior to viewing the photos. His theory can't be applied to all photos everywhere. (3) I'm an old-school structuralist so maybe I'm just biased too much against post-modern french philosophers. Because biased I most certainly am. :) For my money, Propp, Levi-Strauss and Joseph Campbell constructed much more compelling arguments than anything in Barthes' "Mythologies." If literature was his wheelhouse, just how on-the-mark could he be with photography? But yes, I'm a crank like that. (4) I fully agree with your conclusion that portfolio photos should stand on their own. I've no special or significant insight here, but I think one gets better at being self-objective over time, even though it never becomes easy. (That's at least been true with my own writing.)

[@Jaledx]

the amount of respect and admiration i hold for your content is immense, all love

[@mortimersnerd8044]

A year is a long enough time to feel differently about your shots, but that process doesn't end there, it continues to change throughout ones life. I delete obvious failures and lesser alternate shots, but keep *everything* else. Thanks for such a thoughtful video.

[@sullinsshoots]

Jamie, your videos just.....hit and touch on things that are so simple yet i feel that i come out the other side fresh and new with info. I really appreciate the efforts and the amount of care thats put in.

[@vlao]

Only time tells. Awesome video, as always. Thank you, Jamie!

[@buyaport]

What I like about French philosophers: They inspire you, they don't seem so much wanting to "prove their point" (as esp. American and German philosophers do). Similar with photographs. When they scream "Look, I made it to the mountain top!" or "Look, how great this holiday evening was!", we simply cannot share this emotion. Ironically a wedding photographer pictures not his own emotions but those of the people on the wedding. That is why they are a grateful audience.

[@Sycliste]

Jamie, your videos are so well made, so inspirational. Many of them made me question my approach of photography, and integrate so many interesting concepts and point of views in it. Thanks for that wonderful job you're doing.

[@ikonographics]

Thanks for another thought provoking video. I had this exact experience over the past few months going through old photos and finding photos jump out at me that I hadn’t thought much of before.

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another masterpiece.. loving the special fx and montage as well as the message. thank you

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Yep. You’re still my favourite content maker. Thanks for continuing to reassure me!

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Absolutely love your videos Jamie Thanks for this

[@YouNeedMyVoice]

The way you make and edit your videos, not even one fraction of a second is being wasted. Also, great topics - you always provide us with new stuff and for that I am gratefull.

[@RyB717]

Great video, Jamie. Your videos are such a refreshing treat.

[@benjaminfargen]

Brilliant video as always Jaime, great subject. Thanks for sharing.

[@RudeRichDallas]

Once again, an amazingly insightful post! Thank you Jamie!

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Always a joy to watch your content... Thank you for the fruit for thought🙏

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Yes, finally! I was waiting for your next video. But now that i've watched it, i have to keep waiting again for the next one...

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This video is next level! Adding the book to my wishlist, stat!

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Thank you for your videos Jamie! Especially the video about the colors was insanely good!

[@FilmCameraObsession]

Incredible video. So thoughtful and stimulating. Excellent work, Jamie!

[@JoachimSchlosser]

Your videos, Jamie, are so insightful and beautifully shot and edited. Thank you.

[@kenigface2120]

This is not a KZbin video, this is a piece of art, a documentary. very impressive editing and pace, and all these little things like fonts reflecting the mood of the narrative. wow!

[@MrFamilybob]

These video essays make your channel the best photography channel on here. Thank you

[@marquisdelaz]

Such a gift for intentional teaching and vivid transitions or visual representations of a particular point. Real source of joy seeing beautiful and clever work. Thanks bro!

[@mattinterweb]

Probably my most popular image I completely missed the first time around. A full 6 years later I re-visted the shoot and it completely hit me, I retouched it put it out there and then started selling it in galleries. Sometimes we are not the best at editing our own work and need to come back with fresh eyes (not just a day later, but a year or so).

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I come again and again to review your videos. Such a fan. I can not get enough of them!

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Thank you. Glad you like them. I have a new one coming out early next week.

[@eamonoc2268]

Thought provoking and visually appealing as always. Many thanks.

[@poncov]

Amazing video, as always. Additionally, your selection of music... superb!

[@KevinJantunen]

INCREDIBLE video dissertation as always, Jamie.

[@The_Daliban]

Your videos are so pleasing to watch. They are little art pieces🙏🏻

[@GuillermoCalderonbodas]

Excellent video! Missed them!

[@ianrussellmarshall]

Stunning video Jamie!! I’m literally in the process of updating my portfolio and this has made me rethink everything for the best. Thank you so much!

[@sandysingssongs]

Beautifully put together and thought provoking video.

[@peter_shadow7559]

Elegant and informative video as always.

[@MattRamseyTube]

Great! Thanks! Appreciate the extra touches!

[@chandascott2479]

Great video! The best explanation I have ever heard regarding Punctum.

[@kirstenbax5641]

Love your graphics and the way you illustrate your thesis.

[@leosanches84]

So nicely done this video and the subject is fascinating. Going to buy this book for sure. Thanks

[@Left-All-Rights]

Jamie! No words needed!

[@bilalbawab5568]

Outstanding visual effects, plus words sewed from a golden thread

[@bublylybub8743]

love this! thanks!

[@ajuplarie]

What an amazingly crafted video. Thank you for your dedication to details and overall great storytelling. Thank you

[@stephenlpitts]

Simply the best channel actually about photography

[@augustogowert]

Awesome content! Thanks for sharing this creative and clear approach on the ideas.

[@johnburrow4124]

Excellent video. I actually agree with the premise. I started questioning and analyzing my work over the pandemic, and I came to the same conclusion. Why there is a representative meaning to the photograph that was intended either in the moment or well before clicking the shutter button, the part that hits the hardest is something that happens upon viewing the image not taking it. The striking power of something happens to me while taking the photo, but it really comes in its own when looking at the print or processing the photo. And that is something I cannot really plan as it is a response to the image. And, I imagine what stands out as striking to others is different than to me. And that is wonderful.

[@roryanderson5123]

Fab! Really enjoyed the editing :) can't imagine how much work went into it

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This is the first video I see from this channel after becoming its patreon. It's an awesome feeling to know that I'm contributing a little to the creation of this content. Thank you much!

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Great recommendation, thank you

[@davehandelman2832]

Jamie this video's was AMAZING!!! You are REALLY developing your visualness!!!

[@jacquelineswanson4584]

Your editing is so good. I come here for the great photography talks and the motion design inspo. Love the channel!!

[@frankdiluzio8690]

I don't know what's better. The presentation or the content. I revisited my work from the 80's a year ago. It made me regret not having every single image I ever made. I try to be honest and post only images I can stand by. Sometimes I remove images from Instagram because editing is equally important as creating. Learning about 'punctum' is like getting dealt a new set of cards. Let's see how I play my next hand. You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em ...

[@L1stener]

Thankyou. so well presented.

[@JeevesTCW]

Your videos are so well put together and presented Jamie congratulations.

[@petersackett9058]

This was so nice and satisfying. Thank you.

[@samlowry123]

Brilliant and deep thoughts produced brilliantly bravo!

[@bernhardebner3105]

Extraordinary helpful, inspiring and beautiful presented 🙏👏

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Fantastic video. Only discovered your channel in last week, now catching up. Really excellent, thanks.

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Your presets are the only ones I've ever bought. Very happy with them. I feel like they're the closest thing I can get to answering "what might Jamie try to do with this photo I've taken?" and I'll throw some of them on as a wild card curve ball new starting point which throws the edit out of the box whenever I'm stuck in a box or otherwise out of ideas. I used to see presets as "here, copy what I do" or "if you don't know how to edit, I'll do it for you" but now I appreciate them as being able to bring in a new perspective on how a photo might be able to feel and it's actually expanded my understanding of editing, not diminished it or made me lazy as I'd previously assumed presets were intended to do.

[@hilleviupmanis8687]

Thank you! You are as great as always :)

[@janplexy]

My favorite photo youtuber. I like your scientific and intelligent approach, not to mention killer editing! Keep 'em coming Jamie!

[@kontraen]

Thank you so much for this really great video ... really got my head spinning :)

[@curtiskupferschmid6102]

Another beautiful video, thanks.

[@williamferris961]

Fantastic, as always. Philosophical, engaging, beautifully shot, constructed and presented. Real food for thought. I will look at images in a slightly different way from now on. Well done.

[@jonathanhahn8807]

The graphic and font animations are so awesome! just watched 1,5 minutes and im very impressed!

[@fdmorais]

you and Sean Tucker are the best (photography related) content creators on your KZbin right now! You keep me motivated and I learn so much in each video! thanks you!

[@ordinary.american.beauty]

And Dan Milnor! And some old Art of Photography with Ted Forbes.. yes! Edit: Oh wait and John Free .. check this guy out. He’s old and wise and loves life hard. He’s coming out with a book on rail yard tramps soon!! His first book, surprisingly!

[@RahulSharma-iq9lc]

check James Popsys, he is someone redefining the photography (to me at least) in the sense of follow the rules, learn the rules, and break the rules of composition. He takes photos about the objects instead of the objects.

[@SebastianWilsonswlfoto2014]

Duuuuuuude!!! Excellent video as usual! great message, made me think of my pictures and how I must face a shoot. Thanks a lot!

[@jameshoward-white2288]

I really appreciate the level of effort you put into your videos. It must be a staggering amount of work.

[@tomsharman]

Spot on, every time.

[@escritoriodecristal]

wow!! 8 minutes of super interesting info. best photography content on youtube. thanks!

[@vaunsphotography6820]

Very interesting! Thank you for sharing! I'll check for the book and see if I can find a copy to read.

[@victorborel6104]

Great editing ! And very interesting as well!

[@wolfseraziev6262]

Great video as always

[@matias-dev]

I still remember having to read that work for my 1st year in cinema, is really a great and really interesting book, that changes one perspective on how to take photos, and even describing something that you may not realize before Love the videos Jamie, your narration and edit, apart from how interesting the videos are, really do give the point of what you tell, glad to have known your channel

[@christopheredwardf1250]

In my 4th (Honours) year of a photomedia degree and this is one of the most precise and useful summaries of Barthes concept that I have found. Thank you Jamie and I shall be recommending this (and your other videos) to my classmates.

[@MrPeterDCarter]

Excellent as ever

[@phillipv.photography3509]

Love this video. My grandfather (painter) always taught me true art must touch the viewer without an explanation, as soon as you add a explanation you are controlling the audience's thoughts and no longer touching it.

[@royhakala7999]

I am impressed with the visual and audio quality and the precise pacing of your videos. They are both interesting and a joy to watch.

[@jarman1970]

A couple of years ago I found myself looking at old photos on my computer and decided to make a book of the most interesting photos for each year. Some I consider the best of the year but most of then are ones that stood out for me when reviewing the photos from that year. I make a book of all of them and a calendar for friends and family of the last year of twelve of the images. I get my three children (23,18,12 yrs old) to help me narrow down the images for my calendar. I am always surprised and curious about the ones they choose because they are not only always my first choice. The books are not expensive but give me a chance to look at how my photography has changed over time and does not let them get shuttered away in the depths of my hard drive. Great video. I always find that they stretch and exercise my brain. Thanks

[@eduviero]

Man, you are the best!!! Great another one

[@rocha2333]

btw, the way you presented this video is so professional, cinematographic sublime experience. and your voice and the way is recorded keeps you watching until the end. Great work.

[@jinksbaker]

Similar parallels to rhetoric - studium being logos, and punctum being the blend of ethos and the all-important pathos triggered in the audience. Possibly, Logos = Studium; Ethos = Photographer's eye and timing of when they press the shutter; Punctum = What is triggered in the viewer/ audience. Thanks, Jamie, for a really thought-provoking 10-minutes.

[@PaulCoughlan1]

My photography cerebral resource did it once again...another book on order. Graphics so on point. Thank you...

[@lalogalvan9587]

love this book