Photos that Changed the World (?)
Above is the talk by Jonathan Klein of Getty Images at TED conference on some of the most iconic photos. I totally agree with his approach on historicity, iconicity and inspiration caused by photos and how photos are just conduits and how it is us, rather than photos which actually change the world.
For those of you who don’t know what TED talks are, they are these annual super-expensive-to-attend gatherings where famous people come to talk. They got everyone from photography to medicine, from comedians to politicians. Although the speakers are usually diverse, the attendees aren’t — usually they include those limousine liberals and Bordeaux socialists.
I absolutely refuse to pay around $5,000 to see something you can get online for free a couple of months later, but hey, I am not a millionaire. But everyone should check out TED conferences online though — they are pretty good, and they will teach you something new everytime.
I agree with him about how an image can galvanise people to action – sadly TED conferences have amazing content but they are so over priced people who could make a difference can’t attend ….
Vicki Day
June 1, 2010 at 8:15 am
So let me get this straight: They charge too much, but then give the content away for free later. So are they money-grubbers or are they super generous?
Conferences like that are pretty expensive to put on. Professional meetings for me often cost more than $1000 and they don’t have to pay the speakers large speakers’ fees. They usually don’t pay for the bandwidth later to give away the content for free either.
Pheo
June 1, 2010 at 2:24 pm
How in the world do you know that ‘limousine liberals’ make up the audience? 2nd Pheo, and grow up.
Parker
June 2, 2010 at 7:39 am
“usually they include those limousine liberals and Bordeaux socialists.”
Yes, you won’t find too many ignorant conservatives, anti-intellectuals, and redneck, racist, bigots at these symposiums. You probably should be thanking those limousine liberals and Bordeaux socialists who are willing to pay, so you get to educate yourself for nothing.
Innocent Bystander
June 14, 2010 at 11:40 pm