Window versus Mirror...

[John Kasaian]

Which is a term I've heard used in describing literature----usually children's literature but I'm thinking it is an apt term to use regarding photography. In literature, a "mirror" book is one which is written about subject much like the reader (such as books about teenagers which are marketed to teenagers,) while a "window" book is one that explores other envirements( geographical, cultutral, historical, spiritual etc...) which are not commonly encountered by the reader.

Here's the deal:
Do you think most people are interested in photos of subject which mirror their own immediate "world) (the "mirrior") or photographs of subjects which are outside their own familiar surroundings (the "window")?

Which types of photographic subjects (window or mirror) do you prefer to shoot & which ones tend to give you the most satisfaction?

I know this is hard to put in question form but I hope you get the idea.

What of it?

[Mark Sampson]

See the exhibit/book curated by John Szarkowski at MoMA, what, about 1980? with your exact title. People argued about this for decades... I say ToMAYto.

[John Kasaian]

See the exhibit/book curated by John Szarkowski at MoMA, what, about 1980? with your exact title. People argued about this for decades... I say ToMAYto.

Mark, I'm not interested in John Szarkowski (nor do I think John Szarkowski would be interested in me!)

I'm interested in the people here.

What subjects do you enjoy looking at?
Which subjects give you the most satisfaction ashooting/printing?
Which subjects do the people you sell prints to prefer?
Windows or mirrors?

[Jack Dahlgren]

Something half-silvered.

[John Kasaian]

Something half-silvered.

[bobwysiwyg]

I prefer "window" since I'm familiar with my surroundings and prefer to see new subjects.

[Paul Kierstead]

Considering the very considerable success of travel-based, or perhaps destination, photography (i.e. photographs of places the viewer has not likely visited) I'd say most people are likely more interested in Windows.

Personally, I am interested in things which are solidly in my world that I perhaps have missed, or not examined closely enough.

[Mark Sampson]

John, forgive me for stepping on your idea; no disrespect intended. I was just cranky and should have thought before posting.

[Struan Gray]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LToDBiVu9Kg

I think most people like photographs which mirror their idea of what a window should be.

[gevalia]

Man, you guys are deep. I'm just not that complicated.