3. Affect factor of Photography: 'studium' & 'punctum' (example)

Roland Barthe's concepts of 'studium' and 'punctum' is an approach to analysis which is effectively applicable within a field of photography. In his book 'Camera Lucida', the two concepts are introduced as those important elements that can add to a photograph's experience and emotional response. Basically, they are used to reduce the whole photograph to it's affect value (Barther, 1981).  Further, the two concepts will be considered on the example of Helmut Newton's photograph from his 'Twiggy and Cat' series shot for 'Vogue' magazine (1967).  

'Twiggy and Cat' 

Helmut Newton

1981

On the photograph we see a casual, half-empty, not really remarkable room. An unusual perspective, shot from the outside of the room from a low angle, is quite eye-catching, as make the central character seem to be flying in the middle of the room. The model seems to be fitting into the architecture of the premises. I like the overall simple, but elegant composition of the shot. We see a bunch of distinctive old-fashioned things, such as a telephone, an old TV and Twiggy's outfit. It is not immediately when we notice a cat at the background, who looks like it's imitating the girl's moves. Presence of natural dynamics and the way the scene is looked at though the frame of a doorway create a kind of cinematographic experience. Also the fact that it is a monochrome shot adds to this photo some similarity with Nouvelle Vague movies. All those features that I have picked up belongto 'studium', as to something that makes me curious to explore the photograph for a while. Studium is about liking/disliking what you see, without going under the surface.  

The above-listed elements of 'studium' are combined in a way that makes enjoyable for me to look at it, therefore there's something more than plain interest. Let's turn to the second element - punctum. If considering 'punctum' as a kind of personal trigger, something that 'pricks' (Barthes, 1981:27) you, it can be assumed that this element refers to something deeply individual, even sentimental, that can distinguish from person to person. In this case, when I look at this vintage playful scene of a girl and a cat, a half-empty apartment, it brings up some associations with the movie 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' that I used to love when I was an adolescent. Back then, the swinging 60's and 70's times were some exciting cultural phenomenon to me. I used to love the stylistic, fashion and music of this time period. Therefore, the image created by Helmut Newton in the mid 60's accidentally gives me feeling of 'fake' nostalgia for some time in my life, even if there are no direct relations between them. From the viewpoint of my background, I perceive the photograph as a romanticized idea of living in a big buzzing city, parties and other attributes of the youth lifestyle.The image vibrates with the spirit of unconditional joy and excitement about life.

Reference list:

Barthes R. (1981). Camera Lucida, trans. Howard Richard. New York: Hill and Wang.