Jonah Kramer

A DECADE OF IMAGES
1980’s
Discussion
1. What it would be like to live in a world without pictures. Make a list of what would be different in our everyday lives.

Living in a world without pictures would be a very dull, uncompassionate place. This is because pictures can bring the life into a
subject that we never knew existed. For example, a salt and pepper, when shot professionally, can become a work of art, and without
photography, we wouldn’t notice these little things. Not, only that, but our world would seem so bland. No photo magazines, movie
posters, instagram posts, and even digital screen on a technicality. Photography can also spread news more effectively than most
written news. Many things in our world may have never been recorded and now changed if it weren’t for photography. Some things that
might be different in its absence are:

Child labour laws never change

Moving Pictures/ Movies never made
No record of family
No record of historic events (i.e. World Wars, signing of treaties, protests, etc)
Some propaganda doesn’t exist (could lead to different outcome in war, politics, etc)
You wouldn’t know what someone across the world looked like or even at another school unless you knew them or saw them in
person.

2. What is the importance of photographs in history?

Photographs throughout North American history are documented proof of those who paved the way for us. This includes moments
such as debates, elections, protests, wars, declarations, etc. Without photographic proof, we would never accurately know what the
past looked like without witnesses and art. Every photograph taken captures a moment in time that we will never experience again, and
by storing these moments in time in the form of a photograph, we are able to portray history through the the sense of sight rather than
taking someone’s word. For example, teaching about the holocaust and how guesome it was without pictures it a lot less efficient than
with. This is because the viewer can see and paint a story from that photo, no matter how horrific, it is more effective.
Discussion
3. How do photos bring history to life?

Similar to my answer for number 2, photographs bring history to life by giving the consumer an image to create a story off
of. If done correctly, the image should give enough information to its viewer to where they can create their own story on
what happened. Although, when it comes to portraying history, we do want someones own story, we want the truth. Which
is why when paired with a good title and/article, the viewer can then take the story and imagine it from the photo into their
imagination.

4. Do historic photos have the ability to keep people from repeating the mistakes of the past ?

The simple answer, is yes. Although it is not guaranteed, the emotion a photographer and communicate does have the
ability to touch the heart. In doing so, they can enable someone to change their mind on something they may have seen
as right before, in turn preventing that person from wronging someone who may be in a similar situation. For example, a
big part in child labour laws being introduced was due to upperclass mothers seeing photographs of young, poor children
working. By feeling guilt for these children, these people were enabled to stop child labour and stop making the same
mistakes.
July 2, 1980
1980 Summer Olympics -

What stands out in this photo is the background. Although normally this bad, in this
case, it works because it ties together all of the cultures coming together to compete.
This then leads your eyes down to the athletes which yet again shows the diversity in all
of these people coming together peacefully to compete. This was successfully
accomplished through using a bottom weighted positioning and a narrow crop to create
the direct line from the cathedral to the runners.

Taken on Aug. 1, 1980 by Bild Bundesarchiv, in front of Saint Basil’s Cathedral, this
photo has lots of significance behind it. In the 80’s the United States and other
countries were boycotting the Olympics due to political conflicts. Despite this, the
olympics continued, showing that not everyone has to fight and be at war and that we
can be better than our past mistakes. By running in this photo, these athletes are
demonstrating their freedom to a peaceful world.
August 1980*

Terry Fox Run -

What makes this photo unique is its shallow depth of field. This was not as common in
1980 as it is now and because of this it caught my attention. With Terry front and center,
we can clearly identify our subject and understand what is going on. Note that, the
background is not completely empty as there are cars shown following him, supporting him
and his mission.

Gail Harvey captured this during Terry Fox’s iconic and inspirational marathon for cancer
in August of 1980. This holds great historical significance for Canadians. It represents the
heart and soul of Canada as Terry ran across our country not only to show support for
cancer patients but all amputees, Canadians, and humans to show everyone that anything
is possible. This still holds significance annually as we still celebrate Terry Fox to this day.
 September 19, 1980

Damascus Titan missile explosion -

Most photography in the 80s was simple, 1

subject, centered, and playful. But this photo is
darker, plays with the positioning of its subject,
and overall has a depressing tone.

An unnamed photographer shot this view into

the ruined Titan II silo on Sep. 19, 1980 of
distraught Staff Sgt. Virginia Sullivan sitting
amongst what was left of this cold war disaster.
This photo has historical significance because of
the truth provides on the cold war in how it
displays destruction by the

https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2015/sep/21/explosive-era-20150921/
1981*
The Game -

What makes this photo so special is its symmetry. With an almost

triangular symmetry going on, We can’t help but to look at every
member of the band— starting with Freddy. His height and unique look
draws our eyes right to him which only makes sense because he is the
lead singer. Next is Roger because his white shirt and blond hair stick
out. Next is Deacon because he is on the bottom and the eye naturally
sees him next. And Lastly is Brian May who somehow fits in with all of
that hair on his head. This paired with the neutral negative space
makes for a great photograph.

During Queen’s 1981 tour “The Game,” This photo was taken as the
cover by Neal Preston. The historical significance of this picture is the
band itself. Queen being one the most iconic bands of the 70s and 80s
, any photo of them had historical significance on the way people
looked, dressed, wore their hair, etc.
January 24, 1984

First Macintosh Computer Releases -

Taken by, Bernard Gotfryd on Jan. 24, 1984, this photo of Steve Jobs uses simple, almost
portrait like techniques paired with a secondary subject to draw you in. The photo first
brings you to Steve’s familiar face and the head of what would become the most popular
brand in the world. His narrow posture leads you down to the new Macintosh computer,
balanced every so slightly to the left to match Steve. Lastly is the colour. The red table and
background creative an amazing use of negative space that contrast his black suit but also
matches his tie, pulling the photograph together.

The historical significance of this photo is the representation of the turn of technology.
Although there were computers before this, the Macintosh stood on its own and would go
on to lay the groundwork for the Ipod, Macbook, and of course, the Iphone.
April 1, 1985
Air Jordan-

What stands out in this photograph is the colour and

Jordan’s pose. Though Jordan’s skin subtly blends with
the background, his light clothing and red accents
create great contrast. Not only that but Jordan’s eyes
catch yours instantly. His intense stare is serious yet
doesn’t make you uncomfortable. IN the background
there is a net, which just adds on to the subject making
this a very clear and easy photograph to look at.

Taken by the Nike/Jordan Brand on April 1, 1985, this

picture displays Michael Jordan, an up and coming
NBA star with his new signature shoe “Air Jordan 1’s.”
The significance of this photograph is that it was the
start of one of, if not the greatest shoe brands of all
time. Not to mention himself being regarded the best
player of all time, leading to many players taking
pictures just like this in the future.
1989*
JeJ Mode-

This photo can come of as creepy, yet it doesn’t make you uncomfortable. His subtle smirk
is almost apart of his charm which is why it works so well. Robert’s outfit matches the 80’s
punk style well and the black leather creates good contrast between him, the jacket and
the background. This, paired with the lighting pulls contrast onto his face which highlights
the smile and his eyes all at once.

Taken at some time in 1989 by Mark Hanauer, this picture shows something important
during the 1980’s and that was the rebellious and playful side of young adults that started
to really show itself in the late 1900’s. Especially for RDJ, this phase was a dangerous one,
but he showed a realistic look to hollywood of what a young adult could look like. He also
proved to the world that despite his drug addiction, he still proved haters wrong and made
a successful, healthy career in hollywood, paving a path for many troubled young actors.
 November 11, 1989

Berlin Wall Falls-

I find this photo particularly special because it

leads the eye extremely well. You should start at
the man standing on the wall, and slowly move
down the diagonal line (which is very hard to
accomplish), which will lead to you seeing the
mass amount of people surrounding the subject.

Taken by the Boston Globe via Getty Images, they

capture this shot of countless citizens standing on
and around the Berlin wall, awaiting its fall. This
was taken on Nov. 11, 1989 and was re-published
30 years after the walls destruction. Its historical
significance represents the freedom and new birth
of Germany after the second world war.
 Jonah Kramer

1980’s
Done

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