The Boston Photograph By Nora Ephron Analysis

What is the true purpose of photojournalism? Is it to show the beauty of the photograph in itself, or to show the devastating disasters of life? Nora Ephron, in her essay, “The Boston Photograph,” is able to distinguish between the two. She believes photos should disturb the reader, causing evocative thoughts. What other purpose do photographs have? Yes, photographs can be exquisite reminiscences of the past, but photographs also can serve the purpose of conveying greater meanings. Her main views on the purpose of photographs are they should never sugarcoat the events of life; if death is captured in a frame, one should not hesitate to publish it; her views on what photographs should and should not be published; and finally, she believes photojournalism can often be much more powerful than any form of written journalism. To support and disagree with Ephron’s argument, I am using a photograph I took myself …show more content…
So many questions could be asked in regards to this photograph, but only a few could ever be answered. Ephron understands this concept completely: “That they disturb readers is exactly as it should be: that’s why photojournalism is often more powerful than written journalism” (Ephron 660). Photographs should convey the true meaning of life, despite devastating realities. Images are able to grasp and latch onto one’s conscience, unlike words on a page. Photographs will always hold greater meanings than even the photographer themselves could have ever anticipated. Ephron knows death happens, accidents happen, so there is no reason to not show people. People must be reminded there is more to life than what they see on the outside; there are people out there hurting and desperately crying for help, for comfort, for love. Is there truly any other way to throw people back into the reality of