Description

What is Photography Theory? And why does it matter at all? Photography theory encompasses a range of ideas and perspectives that examine the nature, purpose, and impact of photography as a medium. At its core, it's a way of understanding and analyzing the images we encounter, whether in art galleries, newspapers, social media feeds, or personal albums. This theory helps us grasp how photographs communicate meaning, shape our perceptions, and influence our understanding of the world around us. Moreover, photography theory allows us to view photography as a form of world-making. Understanding photography theory is crucial because it helps us become more critical consumers and producers of images. By engaging with concepts such as representation, power dynamics, and visual rhetoric, we can better comprehend the complexities of the images we encounter and create. Whether we're photographers, artists, journalists, or simply individuals navigating an image-saturated world, photography theory provides a valuable framework for interpreting and engaging with visual culture. -------------------- About the Facilitator: Originally trained as a photojournalist, Antonni Cuesta started photography with a focus on reportage and documentary storytelling. Over time, he expanded his portfolio to include a variety of commercial and editorial assignments for publications, as well as commissioned photography projects for private clients and agencies. He has also participated in several art exhibits, working with both photography and mixed media. He has shown at Silverlens Gallery, Modeka, Visual Pond, ArtFairPH, and FotomotoPH. He has given talks and seminars to photographers, filmmakers, and creatives, both students and professionals alike, engaging them in discourse, bridging concept, the creative process, art, and technology. Toni is a former Head of the Imaging Group (Camera and Imaging Devices) of Canon Marketing Phils. Inc. He finished Communication Arts from De La Salle University and took up his MBA at the Ateneo De Manila Graduate School of Business. He is currently a freelance creative and Senior Professional Faculty at the School of New Media Arts, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde AB Photography Program where he teaches Business and Photography Theory. He runs a passion project called Photography Chismis PH which is dedicated to promoting meaningful conversations about Photography in the Philippines.