Pay close attention...

Pay close attention to the types and number of photographic portraits you see in one day. Where did you see them? How do you think that the content of the portrait changes based on the context in which you see the image? What is the difference between the portraits you see on facebook vs. those on the news? What is the difference between the "viewpoint" of the photographer in each situation? What is the difference between their "intents"?

I guess I usually see portraits in the newspapers, magazines, and on social media sites during the day. In some photos, one can tell from the subject's expression that he/she is happy or the feelings that were going on when the photo was taken. Sure, it does help to have some context before I see photographs. Sometimes I see a really random picture on facebook. However, after I see some of the other photos in their album, the photo doesn't seem quite so random.

On facebook, photos are usually full on or a silly candid picture. Facebook photos usually have a fun atmosphere to them. In the news, the subject is usually more serious, therefore there are more serious pictures. Of course, it also depends on the newspaper. The local paper's usually don't have that great of photographers compared to the New York Times. Also, in the newspaper, the photographer is usually photographing things that are not related to them. So, the photographer is usually on the "outside" of the situation and their intent is to show an event that is happening the world. Plus, these photographs usually have meaning to more than just the photographer, but all the viewers. On Facebook, the photographer is usually in the situation and it is usually with their friends/family. It is also just the photographer and people in the photo who care about it and who will see it.