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National Geographic

Today’s photographers go beyond what the early abstract artists were involved in which was harmony and purity. In the eyes of today’s art audience, this seems like a limited kind of aesthetic. Contemporary artists are not limiting themselves or the statements that they are trying to make anymore, they want us to realize that this aesthetic encompasses everything, whether it is beautiful, ugly or detached. Photography in National Geographic magazine is one of the most contributing and influential aspect of the magazine. From the article in the March 1992 issue of National Geographic, pictures convey the essence and sprit of the Andean culture through religion, dance and traditions.  
When the camera looks for the unusual , it ensures a reader whose attention is riveted by the intriguing scene. (Lutz, Collins p90). The large photograph presented on page 96 and 97 does just that. The scene is very intriguing. The photographer takes a landscape to provide a full outlook of the scene. The distance from which the picture was taken alludes to the vastness of the congregation and therefore the culture. It also gives a background of where their culture has arisen from: The Andes Mountains. It accurately depicts the grandiloquence of the Andes. However, the color of the photograph lends the most information to understanding the culture of the Andean people. A director in the photography department explained that all photographers naturally gravitate to ritual events because color and action make for intrinsically more interesting material. (Lutz, Collins p90).   The vibrant colors of red, green and blue of this picture contrast with earthy colors of the surroundings. In addition, National Geographic uses advancing printing techniques so that color seems to virtually hover above the glossy page. (Lutz, Collins p93). The illusion and contrast that National Geographic impart the richness and of the culture. Lastly, the layout of the photograph brings the entire picture...