Chase Jarvis Chase Jarvis
  • Photos
  • Projects
  • About
  • Blog
  • Book
Chase Jarvis Chase Jarvis
  • Photos
  • Projects
  • About
  • Blog
  • Book

Osama Bin Laden Debate Illustrates the Power of an Image

If you’ve ever questioned the power of an image, consider the current news cycle. The US government has decided it won’t show images of the dead Bin Laden.

If you’re wondering why, the answer is simple. A photograph–an image–is an incredibly powerful thing. It can be a tool, intentionally or incidentally. It can tell an entire story of a month, year, decade, or a generation, captured in perhaps just 1/1000 of a second. An image change a life, end a war, start a riot, bring someone joy, inspire a revolution, open or close a debate. An image can move the world.

My point has nothing to do with the governments treatment, or lack thereof, of the Bin Laden image…should or shouldn’t, left or right in America, good versus evil, or any other debate along political lines. That is not my point, and this is not the forum here for those discussions. Don’t go there. Instead it has everything to do with the proof of the power of an image. Therein lies the only reason that this debate rages on. If it weren’t powerful, there would be nothing to say.

My point is a simple one and specifically this: if you’ve ever doubted if, in this modern era with technology moving a light speed, whether there is still respect and value for the 130 year old concept of a photo, think again. If you’ve ever wondered if the power of a photograph is waning, think again. The power of a photograph is at an all time high. Sometimes we… need these reminders.

Consider this as you go to work with your camera.

Related Posts

50 replies on:
Osama Bin Laden Debate Illustrates the Power of an Image

Comments navigation

Previous
  1. musicians says:
    June 23, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    The very root of your writing whilst sounding agreeable in the beginning, did not really settle very well with me after some time. Someplace throughout the sentences you actually managed to make me a believer but only for a short while. I still have a problem with your leaps in logic and you might do well to help fill in those breaks. In the event that you can accomplish that, I could undoubtedly end up being fascinated.

Comments navigation

Previous

Comments are closed.

BUY NEVER PLAY IT SAFE NOW!

Get weekly, curated access to the best of everything I do.

Popular Posts

The show's logo is displayed on the left side, with "THE CHASE JARVIS LIVE" in bold black text inside yellow rectangles, stacked vertically. The right side of the image features a robotic figure, resembling a humanoid robot, meticulously working on a canvas. The robot is painting or drawing a grayscale portrait of a human-like figure. The robot's detailed mechanical components are visible, and the scene evokes themes of artificial intelligence, creativity, and technology. The background is minimal, allowing focus on the robot and its artwork. The composition suggests an exploration of AI's role in creative processes.Is AI the End of Creativity or Just the Beginning?
20250826_CJLIVE_DontTradeDreams_Micro_Thumb_16x9_v2.5Don’t Trade Your Dreams for Security
20250812_CJLIVE_JimMurphy_Thumb_16x9_v2.5How to Stay Calm Under Pressure and Perform Your Best When It Matters Most
20240828_CJLIVE_AustinKleon_PODCAST_16x9Why Embracing Discomfort Can Transform Your Art
20250224_CJLIVE_AreYouOnTheRightPath_Micro_Thumb_16x9_v2.5Overwhelmed by Doubt? Here’s How to Quiet the Noise and Trust Yourself
20251505_CJLIVE_TheNow_Micro_Thumb_16x9_v2.5This moment is everything. Here’s how to stop missing it.
20250320_CJLIVE_JennyWood_Thumb_16x9_v2.5What’s Stopping You From Taking the Risk That Could Change Everything?
A person sitting at a desk, holding their head in frustration, while flames seem to emerge from their head, symbolizing intense mental stress or burnout. The fiery scene contrasts with the calm surroundings of a room filled with books and papers, enhancing the feeling of overwhelming mental exhaustion. The expression on the person's face shows deep concentration or distress, and the bright colors of the flames highlight the inner turmoil they are experiencing.Creative Burnout Destroying Your Passion? (Try These 4 Quick Strategies)
20250812_CJLIVE_YouMakeTheWork_Micro_Thumb_16x9_v2.5AI Doesn’t Create the Work. You Do.
20250725_CJLIVE_ThisIsNotTheEnd_Micro_Thumb_16x9_v2.5Think AI Is the End of Your Creativity? Here’s Why It’s Actually Your Opening

Daily Creative Projects

© 2024 Chase Jarvis. All rights reserved.