What Makes a Photographic Image Controversial?

There are many issues around that topic. Actually, the question should be: "why does the photographer choose to make a photo which he/she knows will be controversial?" Why do they choose to make an image which will "push buttons"; an image which will evoke a reaction (whether "good" or "bad"); an image which pushes the envelope. Was the photo deliberate? Did the photographer want a reaction? Well, of course. Isn't that what photographs are for?

However, the photo is just an image. The image is just a moment. How the photo, the moment, is interpreted is the real issue.

Photographs are art, and all art is subjective to the filters each of us have. Filters can be based on: environmental, social, religious, moral and personal beliefs or values.

A photo may be controversial in one culture; while on the other hand, the same image will have no effect whatsoever in another culture. (As we know from the daily news.)

This applies on a personal, individual level as well. Two people can look at the same photo and you will get two different reactions. (The reactions may be similar on some points, but not 100% the same.)

I can look at a photo and choose to think, "hey, it's just a photo". Someone else will look at the same photo and be outraged by what they see.

So why is that? Am I missing something? Or is the other person putting more into the image than it represents. Why do we get all up in arms over just a photo?

We all like photographs of beautiful flowers. They evoke pleasant images, right? Well, what if I was to photograph dead, decaying flowers. Then what, or how, would you feel?

Remember: the image is just an image. It doesn't know what to be. The image doesn't know to be "good" or "bad".

It is us who reacts to the image.
It is us who makes the image controversial.
And it is controversy which sells.