Image above by John Baldessari

Can you take a wrong picture? 

I think that while certain pictures are more aesthetically pleasing or meaningful than others, there isn’t really a wrong way to take a picture. What feels “right” to one person might be “wrong” to another, so I don’t think it is possible to take an objectively “wrong” picture.

How is context important in Photography? Reference the picture above in your answer. Does the word “Wrong” make a difference? Why?

Context in photography is very important because understanding the context in which a photo is taken can also help the viewer understand the intent and thought behind the photo. Using the photo above as an example, if the photo was just shown without the text underneath to a viewer with no previous knowledge of John Baldessari and his WRONG pictures, they might just assume that it is a poorly taken photo with an old camera. However, if the text is included, then the viewer will connect the strange-looking photo to the loud “WRONG” underneath and their interpretation of the photo and its meaning will change. The context behind this photo is very integral to its identity and the message that the photographer wanted to convey, and thus it is important to know the context behind a photo to gain a fuller understanding of it.