Instructions
This assignment is a response paper to a classic reading in the History of Photography, John
Berger’s “Understanding a Photograph.” To a write a response paper, you need to summarize the
article and identify Berger’s main points and how the author supports these ideas. In addition,
and perhaps the most important part of the paper, is to formulate your own reaction to the
article. Do you agree with the author’s views, why or why not? What parts of Berger’s arguments
do you find convincing, problematic, or questionable?
Paper Instructions:
A. Give yourself ample time to read Berger’s essay
B. Your paper should have the standard format of introduction, body paragraphs, and
conclusion.
C. You should summarize Berger’s key points in at least one body paragraph.
D. Write at least one paragraph comparing his views to your own ideas about photography
and discuss whether you agree or disagree with his views.
E. Berger states the most basic message of a photograph is “I have decided that seeing this
is worth recording.” Choose a photograph from the New York Times website
(https://www.nytimes.com/topic/subject/photography) that might reflect this statement.
a. Select a photograph, NOT a painting, sculpture, drawing, poster, etc.
b. Analyze the photograph and discuss how it creates meaning. Discuss what the
image represents AND how it produces meaning, and how this significance speaks
to you as a contemporary viewer.
c. Please include a picture of your chosen photograph.
F. Write a conclusion that briefly recaps your approach to this response.
G. Your paper should be at 800-1000 words, which is a minimum of 1 ½ double-spaced
pages of text, 1” margins, 12-point type (Please use Arial, Helvetica or Times), not
including a cover page.