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  • Essay / Photography Jacob Riis and Dorothea Lange

    Table of contentsI. IntroductionII. Background on Jacob RiisIII. Analysis of the photography of Jacob RiisIV. Background on Dorothea Lange V. Analysis of Dorothea Lange's photographyI. IntroductionPhotography has always played a crucial role in documenting social issues and stimulating change. Through the lens of a camera, photographers like Jacob Riis and Dorothea Lange have captured the harsh realities of society, highlighting the struggles of the marginalized and inspiring action. Both Riis and Lange used photography as a powerful tool for social change, but their approaches and impact differed, making their work even more fascinating to explore.Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayII. Background of Jacob RiisJacob Riis, a Danish immigrant who arrived in the United States in the late 1800s, began his career as a journalist in New York. Through his work, Riis witnessed the squalid living conditions of the city's poor and became determined to expose these injustices to the public. It was during this time that Riis developed his photography skills, using newly invented flash photography to capture the dark, cramped tenements where many immigrants lived. One of Riis' most notable works, "How the Other Half Lives," was a groundbreaking piece. of investigative journalism that combined his powerful writing with gripping images of poverty, overpopulation and social inequality. The book's publication in 1890 had a profound impact on social reform, inspiring policymakers to act and improve the living conditions of the city's most vulnerable residents.III. Analysis of Jacob Riis' Photography Riis' photography is characterized by its raw and unflinching depiction of life in an apartment building. His use of flash photography allowed him to capture the harsh realities of poverty in a way never seen before. Through his images, Riis exposed the inhumane living conditions, the struggles of immigrant families, and the deep divide between the wealthy elite and the working class. His photographs not only shocked the public, but also played a crucial role in shaping public perception and driving policy changes aimed at addressing the root causes of social inequality. In the next section, we will delve deeper into the work of Dorothea Lange and examine how her approach to photography differs from that of Jacob Riis, but still manages to create a lasting impact on society.IV. Background of Dorothea LangeDorothea Lange, born in 1895, was an American documentary photographer known for her work during the Great Depression. Early in his career as a portrait photographer, Lange focused on capturing the struggles of the American people during one of the country's most difficult times. In the 1930s, Lange began working for the Farm Security Administration, a government agency charged with combating rural poverty. It was during this time that Lange produced some of his most iconic images, documenting the plight of Dust Bowl migrants and farmworkers. Lange's photographs, such as "Migrant Mother," became powerful symbols of the Great Depression, highlighting the resilience and dignity of people. individuals facing adversity. His work has not only raised awareness of the hardships faced by many Americans, but has also influenced government policies and humanitarian aid efforts aimed at providing assistance to those in need. Analysis of the..