The Power of Still Images in an Era of Video
In an age where constant video recording is ubiquitous and easily accessible, the notion of the "still image" can seem quaint. Despite this, moments captured by the lens of a photographer still have the power to enthrall and inform. Take, for example, the work of Associate Press photographer Bilal Hussein, who captured a pivotal moment in Beirut during military operations against Hezbollah in October 2024.
A Growing Moment in Time
When Hussein set up his camera outside an evacuated Beirut apartment building to await a missile strike, he had one singular goal in mind. Coolly prepared, as many experienced photographers tend to be, Hussein was ready. The viral imagery he captured emerged against the backdrop of military operations, revealing that while videos capture movement, a single still image can convey impact and narrative in ways that a moving-picture can’t.
The Still Image and Video
While video offers us the advantage of motion and time-lapse, there’s a certain allure in still photography that allows us to slow time and examine details with a distinct precision. After all, a video closes with the viewer losing moments while a photograph holds us wholly within the moment. This distinction is what makes stills particularly powerful.
In one frame captured by Hussein, the bomb loomed large, interloping the scene. In another, the building was in the midst of dramatic explosion. The sequence of still images clearly laid out the chain of events that unfolded in mere seconds. Pieces of the building fragmented outward, freezing in their high-speed journey as if indefinitely suspended in space. This frictionless capture of violent chaos in static form provides a contemplative moment, allowing viewers to process and absorb the destruction.
Photography in the Digital Age
The advancement of technology has never been more evident than in the way we capture images. The high resolution and progressive clarity of images such as Hussein’s are products of recent innovations that allow journalists and photographers to capture moments with granular detail.
Moreover, the proliferation of these images on social media and news platforms worldwide underscores their importance. As news channels flood consumers with data, a compelling still image can stand out, offering a narrative that might otherwise be lost in the stream of continuous video content. Through their retrospective approach, stills enable viewers to reexamine moments, fostering a contemplative connection with events.
The Enduring Power of the Photograph
Hussein’s images from Beirut are a reminder of the enduring power of still photography. Despite the prevalence of moving pictures, static images remain vital for their ability to preserve moments, inspire reflection, and communicate narratives in a nuanced manner. Their value, particularly in times of upheaval, remains unparalleled.
Call to Action
As we continue to navigate the visual landscape of the digital age, let us not underestimate the value still photography. Engage, explore, and share images that tell compelling stories and preserve pivotal moments, whether it’s the captivating photo essay by Bilal Hussein, or the iconic moment of a protest or natural disaster on your timeline.
Follow the link below to explore more of Hussein’s work and be inspired by the enduring power of the still image.
Follow Bilal Hussein’s work on The Associated Press