How can photography be used today to challenge old narratives—and to create new, more just forms of representation? by Kathryn Mayo

2025-04-30 04:40:50 UTC

A broad strategic approach needs to be used. What specifically are you trying to challenge (e.g. a cultural tradition) and do you understand how your audience/viewer perceives this cultural tradition? The next step is to then create a "truthful" photograph that can present the truth from your cultural perspective, that is understandable to the viewer. Easily said, but in my opinion, difficult to do.

2025-05-03 18:31:24 UTC

Similar to Wendy Red Star's approach of capturing images that reclaim narratives, creating a visual exchange between past and present. Photos that challenge old narratives by reclaiming storytelling in ways that misrepresent beliefs by replacing them with representations that more accurately reflect their truth.

Photography today…

2025-11-25 00:33:52 UTC

I think photography is being used today to change people’s views of each other simply because social media has made it so easy for anyone to share anything and to get immediate feedback from friends and strangers alike. Whether perceptions are being changed deliberately and intentionally may or may not be the case, but perceptions are changing.

2025-11-28 07:30:35 UTC

Photography can be used today to challenge old narratives by creating photography that shows the truth, by not removing or editing a photo with a cultural background, so people don't interpret it wrong. Create more forms of representation by being able to represent themselves without others doing it for them.

2025-12-01 01:46:31 UTC

Photography challenges old narratives by letting people tell their own stories and making hidden histories visible. Ethical photographers and viewers have to consider context, intention, and consent. When we look at photos critically, we can support more accurate and truthful representations.

2026-04-28 22:29:28 UTC

A way photography today can be used to challenge old narratives is by not always showing reality and reshaping perspective and view. this differs from older photography styles and can be used to even "deceive" at times

2026-05-04 05:01:17 UTC

Photography today can totally flip old stories by showing people and communities the way they want to be seen. It gives space for voices that were ignored before. Honestly, it’s one of the easiest ways to create representation that actually feels real and fair.