Elsa Dorfman's Portrait Photography Pt. 1


In the Netflix documentary, The B-SIDE: Elsa Dorfman’s Portrait Photography, Dorfman is asked, “Do you think the camera tells the truth?” I found it admirable how quickly she replied, “Absolutely not,” without pondering. She knows herself as an artist and is very engaged with her creative process.

I agree that, “You [can] take twenty pictures in two minutes, and they’re so different.” However, I would argue that each of those pictures tells a truth, if not the truth. They simply depict captured light as a result of the photographer’s doing, including their intent, lighting, location, and camera settings. It’s a very specific point of view. I believe both of our answers are valid.

So, do you think the camera tells the truth? Why or why not? I’d like to know! Feel free to leave your answer in the comments below, and be sure to return next Thursday for Part 2 of this topic.

If you haven’t watched it yet, here’s the film trailer!

Until next time,