Duane Michals This photograph is my proof

Is Duane Michals’ photograph actually a proof of anything?

The text anchors a meaning to the image that would not otherwise be there. Without the text the way the couple are facing into the shadow might be significant. The smile on the man’s face and half smile on the woman’s may be a reaction to being photographed as easily as to being caught in an intimate moment. the classic triangle of the composition and the strong diagonal of the woman’s back lead the eye to his smile and make him the subject of the photograph rather than her.

Perhaps the text suggests some kind of proof, but the image is posed. Maybe the camera is on a tripod, triggered remotely or on a timer. If it’s on a timer I can imagine the flurry of activity to get into position before the shutter fires. How many attempts were there before this successful shot? If the shutter was fired remotely, how much care was taken to hide the cable release before assuming the position. Or maybe the shot was taken by a third person. If this was the case, the impression intimacy takes on a false note. There is a game being played. The author protests too much – “It did happen. She did love me. Look see for yourself!”