This module contains two brief essays regarding the role of an artist photographer, “The Thing Itself,” by Bill Jay, and “The Unforeseen Wilderness,” by Wendell Berry. Read both essays carefully and, in at least one paragraph per response, respond to the following prompts based on those readings:
(See the rubric below for specific grading criteria.)
1) Describe some reasons why subject matter is so important to Bill Jay (there are several).
2) What does Bill Jay mean by “photographic conscience”?
3) How would you relate being what Wendell Berry calls “a tourist photographer” to today’s use of social media?
4) Describe how, according to Wendell Berry, the photographic artist is, in a way, a pilgrim.