Referent by Nancy Rubio

According to Roland Barthes, referent is the basic understanding given to the photograph when is first looked at. Yet it requires to be analyzed in detail to understand the deeper meaning that it is actually portraying. “It is not impossible to perceive the photographic signifier (certain professionals do so), but it requires a secondary action of knowledge or of reflection (Barthes, 20). For example, this image that I selected is of two soldiers helping the opposing soldier. It demonstrates the capturing of the man who’s life is now endangered they can keep him alive or take his life away which is evident in the picture.

 Depending on the way that the photograph is looked at, it is clearly understood what is going on. However, the referent changes, it can be viewed and interpreted differently depending what side of the image is analyzed. One can feel pity and remorse for the man on the first left side of the photograph because the referent only shows a soldier pointing a gun on the opposing soldier’s head. Moreover, if one analyzes the far right side of the photograph, one can feel compassionate for the man because the referent demonstrates a soldier helping the opposing soldier in need. Overall, the referent is a way of obtaining a clear interpretation of the image that is depicted. 

One last time.

Whenever I see this photo, I remember the mixture of happiness and sadness I felt the night it was taken. It was my 18th birthday celebration, and the last time all five of us were in the same room. I was undeniably filled with joy because my brothers, who were in the Navy at the time, flew home and my divorced parents agreed to be in the same room just for my birthday. Sadness crept up after the realization that this photo is no longer a true representation of our family, yet a fitting reminder that we are still connected despite the parental separation.

The Herreras in Machu Picchu

My family and I stand in front of Machu Picchu, one of the seven Wonders of the Modern World, during our summer vacation in Peru two years ago.  Yes a punctum exists in this photograph, which is our not being centered.  Another puctum is my younger brother's sunglasses not matching everyone else's, thus making him stand out.  However, despite these punctums, we still enjoy looking at this photograph because we are united and enjoying each other's company immensely in one of the greatest attractions of all time!  In the end, it is our amusement that outweighs any mistakes that exist in our photograph.

The Malaya's

I studied the photo carefully, one that is dated and from a place far away. The photo represents my generation in the Malaya Clan; six different individuals, separated by distance, age, language, and personality. I look again at their faces and mine as well; varying from despondent looks, smiles both faked, forced, and real. I discern from the varying postures that some don't want to be there, others are rather bored, and one really does want to take the photo. From the varying expressions, and emotions, it's hard to realize that we are part of one family. The Vast difference of every facet of this photograph documents our diverse lifestyles, our differences, yet we are one family. It's contradictory, but it makes sense. That's how we are.

Normality

Punctum: Tightly-knit siblings who love to be goofy. This family portrait captures our relationship with each other and all the funny memories we've shared throughout our lives. There are numerous inside jokes behind this one picture that associate with each of our facial expressions. Whenever I'm having a bad day, I know I can always look back at this picture and smile. When looking at this photo, my first thoughts are reminiscing on the inside jokes and all the memories we've shared together.

Vasquez-Hernandez family 2012

Families aren't perfect. That's one thing most people can agree on. This photo is of my family. Three generations under one roof. Very rarely do we all get to be together, but when we do, all of our differences are set aside. Especially for our grandma, who sits contently in the middle.

Amargo's

(two boys & two girls | me, Amihan, Paul, Luke)

             

  This past Thanksgiving break (above photo) was the first time in months that the four of us were together for more than a day. In the present, we grow older and distances grow farther; we will still remain close like when we were birthed. Forever, the children on the walls are the same adults living. 

(fun family portraits | emotional attachment below | bonus shots)