‘Photography is such an essential part of showing a story’: An interview with Warwick PhotoSoc

Warwick Photography Society (better known as PhotoSoc), fosters a budding community of photographers. They provide many photographic opportunities and curate a diverse range of socials and workshops aimed at anyone interested in the practice of photography, regardless of prior experience. Eliza Ochea (President of PhotoSoc), Shahnaz Rahman (Vice-President of PhotoSoc), and Katie Williams (Social Media Exec of PhotoSoc) agreed to talk with The Boar about what their society offers, what they have gained from their participation, as well as the significance of photography as an artistic medium. All their enlightening answers encourage the same thing: ‘Join PhotoSoc!’ 

The society holds hands-on workshops, ranging from simple things like product photography to studio photography, which gained a lot of interest last year 

Ochea tastefully summed up the primary aim for the society, which is to promote photography and the digital arts, make them accessible for all, and to bring any students with an interest in the arts together. She also emphasised how the society would like to provide its members with opportunities for learning and practicing the art of photography. The society holds hands-on workshops, ranging from simple things like product photography to studio photography, which gained a lot of interest last year. To specify, product photography refers to the capturing of high-quality photographs of products usually for marketing purposes, whereas studio refers to the capturing of images in a purpose-built indoor space, often involving a combination of different light and background resources. She truly portrayed the scope of what the society offers. Warwick PhotoSoc are also responsible for the provision and maintenance of the darkroom, where they hold developing workshops and facilitate the opportunity to have your own film developed for a fee. In addition to the darkroom, the society also provides the use of digital cameras, film cameras, lighting, a fog machine, and backdrops for the studio.  

Warwick PhotoSoc is filled with endless opportunities, which all three members in the interview have personally benefited from. Both Ochea and Rahman agreed that their participation in the society overruled their preconceptions about photography being this ‘really big, grand thing’ that requires a professional skillset and equipment. Rather, they both found that having like-minded people to learn from made them realise that photography is truly accessible to everyone. They stressed that having a communal place to share a mutual appreciation for photography, without the need for any prior knowledge, was a rewarding experience for them. Rahman stated that it is a gratifying opportunity to be surrounded by people who “appreciate the beauty of photography”. Aside from the photography aspect of the society, Williams also said that it also gave her the opportunity to improve upon her social media marketing skills in her role as an exec member.  

 Rahman expressed that the distinction of photography from other art forms is in its insistence upon portraying “reality” 

In a time where we are witnessing the arts being continually devalued and watching generative AI become an increasing threat to the arts, it was illuminating to discuss the importance of photography as an art form with people who are passionate about the medium. Rahman expressed that the distinction of photography from other art forms is in its insistence upon portraying “reality”. As a film student, Rahman brought up interesting theories of photography and its relation to reality. Citing Sigfried Kracauer’s postulation, that prior to the age of print photography, misinformation was much more easily spread through non-photographic means. She drew an insightful connection between the medium and reality. She asserted that the physical world “can’t and shouldn’t be manipulated digitally”.  

Rahman also pointed out that due to new-age technologies, sometimes the art of photography can feel lost. Recently, everything appears so calculated and modified in order to fit a specific media narrative. She went on to say that due to the decline in methods like film photography, we have somewhat lost the raw and candid nature of photography – hence why it is important to still curate environments where this art can be produced and expressed. Similar to Rahman’s point, Ochea added that photography is “the physical imprint of reality”. Through the individuals she has encountered through PhotoSoc, she has had the fruitful opportunity to witness personal stories told through the development of film photography. This productive discussion closed with Williams’ final statement that the stories we tell through photography must ultimately be “human-based”, since computers will never be able to effectively replicate a story the way a human can show one.  

Photos create a necessary distance between the viewer and the subject that allows us to perceive them objectively, which, Ochea states, is crucial to forming a critical, unbiased opinion on them

In her essay ‘On Photography,’ Susan Sontag argues that photographs are shaped by their cultural relevance. This asserts the significance of photography as a form of resistance in times of crisis and political division that we are currently witnessing. In reference to the genocide that has unfolded in Gaza, Rahman stated that war photography is an imperative medium for unveiling the truth. She said that without photo and video mediums, coverage in places undergoing oppression would be limited. She emphasised this by stating that photography is “such an essential part of creating and showing a story: without it, there is no way to reach people”. “The only times that people will start to realise the gravity of a situation is through the war photography that comes out of it,” she said. Ochea added that the medium of photography also has the distinctive quality of objectivity. Photos create a necessary distance between the viewer and the subject that allows us to perceive them objectively, which, Ochea states, is crucial to forming a critical, unbiased opinion on them.  

Regarding the society’s plans for the future, the society mentioned the development of a monthly newsletter that would curate themed photography competitions, as well as hosting regular ‘photo walks’, where members would have the opportunity to explore new places, socialise and, of course, take pictures. In the meantime, you can find out more about Warwick PhotoSoc and future events on their Instagram: @warwickphotosoc.