Sixteenth International Conference on The Image

Abstract

Nowadays, photographs are predominantly created and archived in digital formats, which gives a distinctive viewing experience in contrast to physical photographs. A particular encounter of the visual and sensory engagement with physical photographs exists, triggering questions about how this transition has influenced the viewing experience associated with digital photographs. Physical photographs are typically displayed and appreciated through albums, frames, and similar mediums, which contribute to the spatial and tactile dimensions of the experience. Meanwhile, such tangible representations are notably absent in the case of digital photographs. Furthermore, both formats possess different natural characteristics linked to individuals’ emotional, aesthetic, and interpretative experiences. Although, materiality is not only physical but mental as well dependent upon its intention, process, consumption, discarding, arranging, and distribution. This further impacts the understanding of the photographs as visual images. Digital photographs, shaped by technology and interaction, are evolving in multiple ways, giving a unique experience. The paper examines how different lived experiences associated with physical and digital formats of photographs could offer an understanding of different perspectives for the similar visuals available—the phenomenological approach will be used as methodology. We interview the participants regarding their experiences while engaging with photographs. The selected images encompass physical and digital reproductions of identical subjects, each exhibiting distinct thematic elements. The empirical data collected in the form of narrative subsequently underwent thematic analysis to interpret the characteristics inherent in the experiences described. The study illustrates experiential differences between digital and physical photographs