Prompt #4

“If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera.” ~Lewis Hine.

Write a brief reaction to this quote. Is this quote applicable to your experience with photography? What does it mean to you? Do you agree with the idea presented or disagree? Describe situations when photographic images reveal “the story” (as compared to words). Describe situations when words reveal “the story” (as compared to images).


This quote reminds us that many times in life images say it all. With words come connotations and your own interpretations. However, many times with images you can see the picture as it was. An image can be more straightforward. An example of when this could be true would be times of war. Most of us have not experienced war first hand. Reporters describe scenes and emotions among soldiers but without images its hard to truly picture what is happening. News writers spend pages upon pages describing a worldly event, but a single image can say it all and more. However, words can be used when describing hidden emotions.


There have been many times where I have read a book and then watched an identical film. Many times the book describes more of the characters emotions. Things not seen in the movie. In this case words can be helpful in getting the full effect of a story.

Both images and words have their place when interpreting different ideals. I agree with Lewis Hine, he needs his camera for the areas of stories where images are needed. Where words don't do the story justice.