Academic Writing

Candice P. Boyd and Andrew Gorman-Murray’s article, "Nostalgia in Black and White: Photography and the Geographies of Memory," feels like a rush of memories from your past. They introduce us to a different place and knowlodge through photography, showing how it ties in with our memories and the places close to us. This piece was published online on May 3, 2022 and introduces us into how photos connect us to the past and the spaces close to us. Boyd and Gorman-Murray aren’t just talking snapshots; they’re exploring how photos bring our memories to life and the story behind them. They explain how photos aren't just pictures but little memories we hold, bringing us back to moments frozen in time. They bring fancy theories with real-life stories to show how photos aren't passive, they’re never-ending storytellers, shaping how we bring about life and recall things and the specific moments we remember them in. The article draws from a rich tapestry, ranging from cultural geography to photography studies, inviting readers on a path that brings scholarly discourse with real-world applications. The authors attention to detail is evident in their exploration of various photographic genres and techniques, such as black and white photography, which they argue possesses a unique ability to evoke nostalgia and amplify the emotional resonance of memories.

One main point grappled in this article is "geographies of memory." This essentially is what it is, it’s about how photos bring our memories to certain places. The authors use neat examples and stories to show how photos, especially black and white ones contribute to this emotional feeling that grapples at our emotions and produces nostalgia. What’s really exemplary about this article is how they bring together lots of different ideas from geography to photography to show how photos aren’t just about a click of a finger. They’re about how we see ourselves, where we come from, our culture, modern life and how we fit into the world. They show this using real-life examples that appeal to our emotions and serve as a notion. While they do a amazing job breaking things down for us, it might've been exceptional to us and the audience if they endeavoured more about the ethics of nostalgic photos. You know, how they might affect different communities or cultures around the world and everybody has their our process of thinking. Finally, "Nostalgia in Black and White: Photography and the Geographies of Memory" by Candice P. Boyd and Andrew Gorman-Murray is a masterpiece. It’s smart without being too over the top, making it a good read for anyone curious about how photos change our memories and our sense of place into one beautiful art piece full of emotions.

References: Boyd, C. P., & Gorman-Murray, A. (2022). Nostalgia in black and white: Photography and the geographies of memory, 79-87.