What's In a Name?

If a photograph comes to life only after you read its title, is that still a good image? Most of Tina Barney's large-scale photographs, which document a visit to China, at Jane Borden gallery feel stilted, posed, and average. However, after I read the image's title, I took a second look and warmed to it. For instance, the bottom two photos seem run-of-the-mill but become interesting after you learn that the two women are golf caddies and the man is a jiggle writer. The above image, on the other hand, stands out from the rest because I feel that the Barney captured a moment that doesn't feel stagy. It jump starts itself without background info. (Image via Jane Borden, Inc. gallery)