THE OPERATIONAL IMAGE
Coined by German filmmaker Harun Farocki, the operational image is a type of image created to be a part of an operation. It is generated by machines for machines. These images are used as currency to gain, manipulate and control information. A photographer is able to control the photographic variables as well as conceal details that are not beneficial in fulfilling the image’s purpose of creation. One way to approach such a concept is to provide phantom shots to the audience by documenting from a specific angle in which humans cannot occupy. As an image that is meant to “do” things and create a mechanical process of image-making, the operational image brings more possibilities for the mechanical eye to examine everything and generate algorithms. The process of creating an operational image requires an active camera that is continually monitoring, creating data based on the information it collects. Once observed and used by algorithms, everything will be put into categories just like objects being put into the politics of surveillance. This Categorization is controlled by a dominant source, which can manipulate the spectator, reader, or receiver's mind by controlling the content.
