In this lecture, we learnt about Barthes’ theories on the photographic message. Barthes wrote about the photographic message (1932) and made a distinction between message and code. The message is the picture and the code is the meaning we construct when seeing the message. For example, we may see a photograph of landscape at night (message) that might trigger the feelings of sadness and despair (code).
The reality effect happens when the photograph represents something that might not be culturally constructed. Hence, the message might have no code. The closer to reality the more likely it is there is no code. According to this, paintings will have no code as they represent reality as it is. Barthes made a further distinction between denotative and connotated message. Denotative refers to what the photograph is (landscape) and connotated is the meaning attached to it (sadness). However, according to Barthes photography may only have a denotated meaning and here is where the photographic paradox emerges, as it is likely that photographers may imply a connotated meaning.
In fact, there are three levels of connotation. I will use one of my photographs to explain what each level is:
- Perceptive connotation: what the photograph shows (similar to denotation). For example, a tree with fog.
- Cognitive connotation: elements that may be interpreted on a specific way because of the viewer’s previous knowledge. For example, the photograph was taken in winter in Sefton park.
- Ideological and ethical connotation: deepest meaning that can be inferred in the photograph. For example, feelings of isolation and sadness.
Barthes also discussed the link between photography and text. Barthes highlighted that text may change the connotation of a photograph. In The rethoric of the image (1964), Barthes reflected how the combination of text and images can create meanings that become accepted culturally. In the advertisements, he made a distinction between the linguistic message (text that goes with the image), the non-coded iconic message (denotation of the image), and the coded iconic (the meaning we may attach to the image). Messages can become myths when the sign and the connotation are highly linked and are socially constructed. This may imply that certain messages can become socially accepted when maybe they should not. This can be seen in the advertisement of many cleaning products where the person depicted is a woman when it should not be like that.
Overall, Barthes’ theories highlighted that the meaning of an image is not unique and is socially constructed. Hence, this further emphasises the role that the different people involved in the photographic process may play in the construction of image (photographer and viewer) but also the importance of cultural values, which sometimes might be overlooked.
Photography Theory 