In Our Own Image – Reading Response

What does Ritchin mean by the “fluidity of the digital”? Give an example of digital imaging/digital photography that exemplifies this.

According to In Our Own Image by Ritchin, the “fluidity of the digital” refers to digital images that can be easily altered, combined, and disseminated across various platforms. An example that can exemplify this is the development of  AR filters, which allow users to overlay digital elements onto their real-world images or videos in real-time. The fluidity of the digital is apparent as these filters can be easily shared, remixed, and adapted by others, creating a continuous cycle of image transformation and reinterpretation.

Reflect on the extent to which photography is capable of capturing reality; and compare it to other media (technology) (e.g. text, video, virtual reality, books).

Photography, as a medium, has long been associated with capturing reality. Its ability to freeze a moment in time and preserve it visually has made it a powerful tool for documentation, journalism, and personal expression. However, it is important to recognize that photography, like any other medium, is inherently subjective and can only provide a selective representation of reality.

Compared to photography, traditional forms of media like books that convey reality through storytelling, imagery, and descriptions are limited by their static nature and the reliance on the reader’s imagination to fill in the gaps.

When comparing to even more advanced media like VR we can see that VR can offer a heightened sense of presence and allow users to explore and interact with virtual spaces, but it is still a constructed reality that is dependent on digital models and simulations.