Mikhael Subotzky Ted Talk

Transcribed from Mikhael Subozky's Ted Talk: "Taking pictures is an act in two directions. Forwards and backwards.

The photographer likewise is thrown backwards onto himself.

The photograph is always a double image. Showing at first glance its subject, and at second glance more or less hidden behind it so to speak, the reverse angle; The picture of the photographer in action.

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Every picture indeed reflects the attitude of whoever took it. Yes forward a camera sees its subject and backwards it sees the wish to capture that particular subject in the first place thereby showing simultaneously the things and the desire for them. If thus a camera shoots in two directions, forwards and backwards, merging both pictures as the back dissolves into the front. It allows the photographer at the very moment of shooting to be in front with the subjects rather than separated from them.

Through the viewfinder the viewer can step out of his shell to be on the other side of the world, and thereby remember better, understand better, see better, hear better and love more deeply.

I came across this talk yesterday. I have watched it a couple times since, Mikhael Subotzky work itself is staggering, and now I've transcribed my favourite part. It gives meaning to all photographic work beyond a simple picture and I felt the need to share. I think about the reverse photograph in regard to my own work and my favourite artists. The drive to say something, to be there with the subjects, to tell a story from both sides of the lens - that is why we all pick up cameras in the first place.

"Through the viewfinder the viewer can step out of his shell to be on the other side of the world and thereby remember better, understand better, see better, hear better and love more deeply."