The progression of photographic image manipulation in communication: An argument against the "revolution" of technological change

The technology of photographic image manipulation has evolved faster than our ability to consider its implications. This thesis looks at the recent evolution of image manipulation, which some regard as a "revolution." The various stages of technological progression are examined using examples according to Brian Winston's model of technological change. These stages include: scientific competence, ideation, prototypes, supervening necessity, invention, the 'law' of the suppression of radical potential, and technological performance. A review of literature on the topic of photography in communication is included as well as an examination of the early photographers who used image manipulation in their work. A discussion of the "revolution" theory verses the "steady progression over time" theory is presented. The thesis concludes with a discussion on the impact of the current technological capabilities upon the viewers, which results in a change in our understanding of photographic reality.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Communication Studies

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Year

1992

Author dc:creator

• Wood, Cynthia Lynn

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/rtds/250

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oasis.library.unlv.edu:rtds-1249