Photography: from its origins and social functions to the formation of public opinion

The invention and widespread use of photography has changed the idea of history, and today the photographic method of research is one of the main ones in almost all areas of science and technology. As an element of the absolute majority of mass media, photography affects the mass consciousness, realizing the following functions: integrative; cognitive and cultural; social-identifying; informational; entertaining - all of the above functions are summed up in the function of influencing public opinion. It is also important to note that today sociology is striving for a renewed interpretation of the visual through the study of everyday life, as well as the methods and basic principles for the production of visual images. The reality around us is becoming more and more saturated with them every day, so visual sociology emphasizes the use of visual methods in the study of social practices.