What are the differences between photographs that are WINDOWS and MIRRORS?

Photographs that are considered MIRRORS:

Mirror photos are usually called this when the photographer is trying to demonstrate or reflect something that they feel about themselves. John Szarkowski in his text, said a mirror is “reflecting a portrait of the artist who made it” and “a mirror- a romantic expression of the photographer’s sensibility as it projects itself on the things and sights of the world”. Mirrors in photography reflect or represent reality or emotions. The image that is considered a mirror doesn’t usually include everything, it only captures what the photographer chooses to show and then allows to the viewer to interpret it from there. Mirrors in photography can be used to show identities and personal opinions and thoughts. like an actual mirror, they can be used to reflect how we see ourselves. they provide reflections of internal and external meanings and influence the way we perceive ourselves or what the photographer wants us to see. overall mirrors are not just a direct reflection, photographs like this are able to share deeper meanings and allow the viewer to be subjective with how the interpret the meaning.

Photographs that are considered WINDOWS:

Window photos are usually called this when the photographer takes images where they try to demonstrate their opinion and how they feel about the outside world. John Szarkowski said a window is “through which one might better know the world” and “through window which the exterior world is explored in all its presence and reality”. a window photograph are able to provide a view into another world where both an objective and subjective perspective can be shown. it shows the view of a moment in time which we don’t experience ourselves. this could be things such as a different culture that isn’t ours showing that we wouldn’t experience this moment however we are getting a view into someone else’s reality. windows may sometimes bring across an emotional aspect where the viewer feelings certain feelings towards the image and what is going on as they experience a glimpse of someone else’s reality. this is importantly used in documentary photography where images are windows to historical events like the wars and how whoever views the photograph now is not currently living that historical period and so its a look into the past and therefore a different reality.

Example of MIRRORS

This is an example of a mirror. I chose this image as first of all it is a self-portrait so it is already showing personal views from the photographer and not of something/someone else. the individual is acting as the subject as well as the photographer. The image reflects on society expectations of women identity and roles. though her images reflect herself they are also reflecting many other individuals realities and the societal ideas.

Example of WINDOW

This image was taken on a photographers trip to India. I considered this a window image as the photographer is not from there so they aren’t ‘mirroring’ their own life but instead showing a representation of something else. The image is very real and factual as it’s showing their environment and life through the image. The focus is on the two boys however the boys juxtapose their surroundings. The boys are seen to be quite happy and excited to be involved in the image but in comparison to that their background seems like an unhealthy environment to live in.