On a recent photography course, we entered a brief discussion as to whether photography can be classed as art. Some argue against, saying it is not art, photographers disagree. I wanted to add my view on this, for what it counts; and because I have been studying photography for the last 3 years. For me a camera is a tool by which we capture an image, just like a pencil or a paint brush is a tool to mark to a canvas. The end result is the same an image on canvas. The dictionary describes art as “the expression or application of human skill or imagination.” Therefore it is this that we should consider and not the image it’s self. Did the photographer apply his / her skill and imagination to create the photograph?
After watching photographers work on images, manipulating the available light to find great tones in the shadows, modeling the subject and choosing the location with great care to create an image that really stands out, I can conclude that photography is a form of art if it was meant to be.
- A cold winter
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- Brides pose
However this is only my opinion!
Two quotes from Wikipedia.
Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items (often with symbolic significance) in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expression, including music, literature, film, photography, sculpture, and paintings.
According to Tolstoy, art must create a specific emotional link between artist and audience, one that “infects” the viewer. Thus, real art requires the capacity to unite people via communication (clearness and genuineness are therefore crucial values). This aesthetic conception led Tolstoy to widen the criteria of what exactly a work of art is. He believed that the concept of art embraces any human activity in which one emitter, by means of external signs, transmits previously experienced feelings.
Is photography art? Yes, I think it is.
James Williams
As a Non Artist, my opinion is that photography is definately an Art in its own right.If I entered a photography competition with my rapid point and shoot photographs my photographs would be of a very poor quality ART and end up in the reject pile. My husband on the other hand having spent an enormous amount of time setting the scene, checking the lighting etc,etc; would certainly have a very good chance of having his photographs placed on the maybe pile! As for Douglas Anderson…his would immediately go to the definate winning material pile!Photography is ART and the camera is the equivalent of manipulating the artists brushes in your hands.