Body of Work: Inside the Cult of Kim

David Guttenfelder’s groundbreaking photo essay, often referred to as “Inside the Cult of Kim,” emerged around 2013 when he became one of the first Western photojournalists granted extended access to North Korea. This body of work offers a rare glimpse into a tightly controlled society, unveiling daily routines, architectural landscapes, and the omnipresent political messaging under the Kim regime. Guttenfelder’s photographs reveal a carefully orchestrated world in which citizens' lives are deeply intertwined with government ideologies.

In this unit we will explore the power of photography as a visual text, focusing on Guttenfelder’s ability to portray complex cultural and political narratives. By applying the SCAMS strategy—Subject, Composition, Action, Message, and Stylistic techniques—we will dissect the layers of meaning embedded in each frame. Guttenfelder’s images also highlight the influence of lighting, space, perspective, framing, color, depth of field, contrast, leading lines, texture, and vantage points—ten essential photographic techniques—on shaping a viewer’s interpretation of the scene.

Through analyzing Guttenfelder’s approach, we gain insight into how photographs can transcend language barriers, offering nuanced perspectives on global issues. By refining our critical interpretation skills, we become more aware of photography’s potential to challenge assumptions, spark empathy, and convey powerful stories, thus underscoring the significance of visual storytelling in contemporary media.