Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Photography, Faculty of Visual Arts, Tehran University of Art, Iran
2 Department of Photography, Faculty of Visual Arts, University of Arts, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
albums, as a form of social representation, are influenced by the ongoing political, social, and cultural changes in each country and region, portraying these transformations in various ways through images. By studying wedding photo albums, one can gain insight into many social developments within the realm of visual culture. This research, based on the study of wedding photo albums of middle-class Gilani families from 1980 to 2021, explores the relationship between weddings and photography from a sociological perspective, drawing upon Erving Goffman's theory of self-presentation in everyday life.Through data analysis of 12 wedding photo albums, three key cultural transformations in wedding photography were identified:
First, documentary wedding photography, from 1980 to the mid-2000s, where the photographer is an observer, And interference to change the meaning of the ceremony and identity is not seen in the photos.The photographer faithfully looks at the ceremony in the designated environment, even outside the ceremony, the photographer is indifferent to the changes that can be made. However, photographic curiosities can be found in the albums, such as photos of informal scenes as well as behind-the-scenes images of weddings where relatives are busy cooking the wedding dinner. One of the consequences of the documentary approach in wedding photography is the photography of wedding rituals that can be found in albums. For this reason, we see unusual images such as acts of misunderstanding and even entering the hidden parts of the ceremony and behind the scenes.
Second, illustrative wedding photography, covering the period from the mid-2000s to the late 2010s, with studio photographers playing a more prominent role. During this period, we observe imagery in the sense of abundant visual effects. with the introduction of the digital system in photography, effects (effects, effects) and montages that depict the position of the bride and groom in an imaginary world are becoming more widespread. In this period, we see visualization in the sense of many visual effects. also, regarding the makeup of the bride's face, in this period of time, thick makeup is discussed at the level of fashion magazines and cosmetics advertisements. Getting out of the official space of the wedding ceremony and recording part of the action in the space outside the celebration environment can be seen as the beginning of using natural scenery and finding the right place
Third, Staged wedding photography, accompanied by clichéd metaphors, encompasses the period from the early 2010s to the early 2021s. This method became popular as a ritual in wedding ceremonies. As mentioned earlier, the increase in the use of natural landscapes and finding ideal spaces can be seen in the 2010s. In the wedding photo frame of this decade, there is no trace of the image of others, even the bride and groom have drawn themselves in the awe of unattainable heroism by taking ideal and mythical poses
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