Chapter Summary

Chapters 2 &3 introduced two different kinds of photography: storytelling photography and deadpan photography. Chapter 2, titled "Once Upon a Time," discussed the use of narrative in contemporary photography to create a powerful image. Cotton discussed how a single, well constructed image can communicate a story that may otherwise be told with multiple images. She used numerous examples to discuss storytelling in photography such as Wall's "Insomnia" - an image which depicts a man laying on his kitchen floor, under the table.

In chapter 3, titled "Deadpan," Cotton describes the genre of photography that presents an image without drama, but is rather detached. The artist's emotions are absent from this kind of photography and instead the image relies on clarity and pure aesthetic. Landscape & architectural photography can fall under this category. Wrapping up the chapter is photographer Thomas Ruff who was very influential in this genre. He is particularly well known for his series of deadpan portraits that depict expressionless individuals from the shoulders up similar to a passport photo.