Vernacular photography is a term that refers to the photography of everyday life.
The word “vernacular” means “of or pertaining to the common people.”
In this sense, vernacular photographs are those taken by amateurs and professionals alike who have no formal training in photography but rather use their cameras as tools for documenting their lives and surroundings.
What Is Vernacular Photography?
Vernacular photographers often use simple equipment such as disposable cameras or cell phones equipped with built-in cameras, although some may also use more sophisticated equipment such as DSLRs (digital single-lens reflex).
They often publish their work online through blogs or social media sites such as Flickr or Instagram.
Examples of Vernacular Photography
Vernacular photography is a term used to describe the work of amateur and professional photographers who are not trained in art or photography.
It was coined by historian Alan Trachtenberg in his book “Reading American Photographs:
Images as History, Mathew Brady to Walker Evans” (1989). He defines it as:
The term “vernacular” refers to something that is common or everyday and can be used by anyone regardless of their level of education or training.
The word “vernacular” comes from the Latin word “vernaculus”, which means native or indigenous language;
it also refers to speech patterns used by ordinary people rather than those associated with formal occasions such as church services or political speeches.[1]
In addition, vernacular architecture refers specifically to buildings designed according to local traditions rather than those based on classical styles such as Greek Revivalism.[2]
The Impact of Vernacular Photography
Vernacular photography is defined as the “casual” photography that people take of their everyday lives.
While this type of photography has been around for decades, it only recently became popularized in the art world.
The term “vernacular” refers to something that is common or everyday–and thus not necessarily highbrow or intellectual.
Vernacular photography captures everyday life in all its glory:
from family reunions to children playing in parks, from weddings to graduations, from birthdays parties at home with friends and family members over for dinner —
these images document moments we might otherwise forget about if we didn’t have them captured on film (or nowadays digitally).
Vernacular photographers often use inexpensive cameras like Polaroids because they want their photos to look casual rather than polished;
they may also choose subjects based on what interests them personally rather than trying too hard at making something artistic out of everything they shoot
Vernacular Photography and Social Media
Social media has become a platform for the dissemination of vernacular photography.
Instagram, in particular, has been used as an outlet for photographers to share their work with other users on the platform.
This can be seen in how many accounts have been created around this style of photography and how many followers they have gained in doing so.
One example is @vernacularphotography which currently has over 100k followers on Instagram (and growing).
Notable Vernacular Photographers
- Diane Arbus,
- Vivian Maier,
- Robert Frank,
- Garry Winogrand,
- William Eggleston.
Diane Arbus (1923-1971) was an American photographer who became famous for her portraits of people on the fringes of society.
She had a keen eye for detail and an ability to capture moments that were both intimate and disturbing.
Her photographs are often disturbing because they show people at their most vulnerable, such as this image of a man with his head in his hands:
This photograph shows a woman holding onto herself while sitting on a bench in Central Park:
This picture of two children playing could be seen as slightly sinister because one child seems to be teasing another by pulling on his clothes:
Vernacular Photography and the Digital Age
Vernacular photography is the term used to describe images that are created by amateurs, or people who are not professional photographers.
This can include family snapshots, vacation photos and other personal moments captured on camera.
These photographs have been around since the invention of cameras in the mid-19th century and continue to be an important part of our visual culture today.
The impact of digital technology on vernacular photography has been significant because it has made it easier for anyone with access to a camera (and perhaps even an iPhone) to take pictures and share them online with friends or family members around the world via social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram.
The ability for anyone with a smartphone camera at their disposal means that there is now more opportunity than ever before for people everywhere to document their lives through photographs they take themselves–whether they’re professional photographers or just everyday folks who love taking pictures!
The Future of Vernacular Photography
The future of vernacular photography is an exciting one.
The emergence of new vernacular photographers, the impact of technology on our lives, and the way we interact with it are all factors that will shape this field in the years to come.
In terms of numbers alone: there are more people taking photos today than ever before–and they’re doing so with an eye towards sharing them online or printing them out on their own personal printers.
This means that there’s more work out there for everyone involved in creating content (photographers) and distributing it (editors).
It also means that our definition of what constitutes “good” photography has changed dramatically over just two decades since digital cameras became commonplace;
whereas once you needed expensive equipment to take decent pictures, now anyone can do so using their phone or tablet!
Vernacular Photography and Art
Vernacular photography is art. It’s not just a hobby or a pastime, but an expression of creativity and imagination that can be appreciated by anyone who sees it.
Vernacular photographers are often inspired by their surroundings and use their cameras to capture those moments in time that they feel are worth remembering.
This can include anything from landscapes to portraits of friends and family members, as well as other subjects that appeal to them personally–and sometimes even things they don’t like!
The term “vernacular” refers to something common or everyday;
we all experience these things on a regular basis without really thinking about them much at all (which is why they’re called “common”).
Photographers who focus on vernacular photography try not only document these everyday experiences but also show us how beautiful they can be when photographed properly with artistic intent behind each image.
Ethical Considerations in Vernacular Photography
The ethical considerations of vernacular photography are very important.
The first is the right to privacy.
If you photograph someone without their permission, it is considered an invasion of privacy and can be illegal in some cases.
You should always get permission from the subject before taking their picture unless there is an exception (such as if they are in public).
The second consideration is respect for the subject.
You should never take advantage of anyone or make fun of them while photographing them;
this will reflect poorly on your work as well as yourself as a person who doesn’t care about others’ feelings or safety.
The third consideration is protection of intellectual property rights (IPR).
If someone else owns something that appears in your image and wants compensation for its use, then you must obtain permission from them before publishing anything featuring their work
Vernacular Photography – Wrap Up
In conclusion, Vernacular Photography is a form of art that can be defined as the use of photography for personal or social purposes.
It has been around since the invention of photography in 1839 by Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot. T
he term “vernacular” refers to everyday objects or practices which are used by people in their daily lives.
In this case, it refers to how people use cameras as part of their daily routine without being aware that they are doing so.
Vernacular Photography has impacted society by changing how we see ourselves and others through photographs taken by amateurs rather than professional photographers or artists because these images depict real life situations rather than staged ones like those in advertisements.
