[Unstagram] The Meaning of "Being There" in a Photograph

A Photograph Can Only Be Taken by Being There
"Being There" Includes the Past, Relationships, and Attitude

Because I am involved in photography, I sometimes receive difficult questions about photos. The most common are, "Did you take this photo yourself?" and "How did you take this photo?" The question of whether I took it myself can simply be ignored, but it is hard to know what is really being asked when someone inquires how a photo was taken. Are they asking about the technique, the story behind it, whether the photo is good, or if it seems odd? If I answer carelessly, I might open the gates to an endless series of questions. The only thing I can say for certain is, "Because I was there."

As the train stops at a station along the Trans-Siberian Railway, a young traveler gets off and flies a paper airplane. This photo also received the question, "How did you take this?" (Khilok, Russia, 2016) Photo by Heo Younghan

Nowadays, it is possible to create countless imitations of photographs without actually being there. However, the strict condition that still defines what is truly accepted as a photograph is this: "If you are not present at that place, you cannot capture even the smallest fact in a photo." That "place" does not always refer only to a physical location. Sometimes, it means having the qualification or status to reach a particular person or place. Status, in this sense, is not about social position, but rather the kind of intimate and natural circumstances built over time and through relationships.

Many people admired the photos that captured the unique side of former U.S. President Obama, seeing in them an image of a leader who was approachable and without pretense. In the photos taken by official photographer Pete Souza, there were many simple, human, candid, and fun moments, unlike the scenes usually staged around those in power. More than words, these images visually revealed a natural and skillful approach to human relationships.

President Obama playing with Ella, the daughter of Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, at the White House in 2015. Photo by Pete Souza

There are not many people who can get close to the president. However, even if a photographer is present, it does not mean that such human and natural moments can always be captured. Obama allowed his photographer, who was also his friend, unrestricted access and was comfortable with these moments being shared with the public. While this speaks to the photographer's skill, the attitude and empathy of the subject are just as important. For the photographer, "being there" meant standing beside the president, but more importantly, it meant having a relationship of trust and affection with him.

President Obama visiting an elementary school in Georgia in 2013. Photo by Pete Souza

Over the years, we have seen countless images of those in power and famous figures, and photos of people aspiring to become leaders will continue to flood before us. During election season, candidates will hug merchants in markets and make heart shapes with their hands in front of crowds. However, there is a limit to what can be shown in photos that only display actions without genuine connection.

The presidential aircraft arriving at Seongnam Seoul Airport after an overseas trip. There was a time when I worked taking photos around the nation's highest authority. It was not easy to capture photos that went beyond the images intended to be shown, planned, or created there. Photo by Heo Younghan

The photographer's method of expression and approach are important, but these come only after relationships and attitudes have been established. It is certain that both photographers and those who appear in photos have traveled a long road in the past to reach that place. Photos will be delivered to those who were not there, and new words will be layered upon them.