KQED's Forum What’s a Photograph That Stands Out in Your Mind?
Apr 28, 2025
Kathy Ryan, the former director of photography at The New York Times Magazine for 37 years, shares her wealth of experience in visual storytelling. She discusses how photographs shape our understanding of history, including monumental events like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ryan explores what makes a photograph impactful in today's image-saturated world, emphasizing emotional resonance and the role of captions. Personal anecdotes reveal the transformative power of images in collective memory, while she reflects on the challenges faced by modern photojournalists.
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Elements of a Powerful Photo
- Great photographs have staying power by evoking strong emotion in viewers.
- Key elements include emotional impact, composition, and creative use of light.
Photo's Power To Slow Time
- A good photo makes people slow down and explore its multiple layers.
- Captions serve as important glue that holds attention and adds context.
9/11 Cover Memoiral Creation
- The 9/11 "Remains of the Day" cover was created under tight deadlines with a concept to memorialize the event.
- Two beams of light image became the memorial symbol reenacted annually.