Photography’s role as art is often misunderstood based solely on the existence of an image. Not taking into account how the image is realized. In photography the image is recorded and not created. This dependency on an external devise often referred to as a camera, is what distinguishes and establishes photography as an independent visual platform. Not comparable to the traditional arts such as painting, drawing, and sculpture. Where the participant plays a direct role in the physical application of materials in the creation of a new reality. While in photography, when practiced in its most recognizable role it is defined as Narrative, representation of an existing time and place recorded in real time, with a camera. In this capacity the participant or photographer plays more of a supporting role, as an observer in the operation of the camera and composition of the scene. The Narrative image recorded by the camera is a function of photographys inherent value as a self contained visual representation. And does not require the platitudes of art to be considered significant. Another important difference found between photography and the traditional arts is its dependency on pre- existing materials, that are photographed and then used in the composition of the scene . While these materials may not be exclusive to the photographer. The resulting composition in which they are utilized may be considered exclusive to the photographer.
Photographs Narrative classification does not however mean that its inherent capabilities can not be transitioned to represent a more creative approach. However to accomplish this the photographer must make changes to the Narrative that go beyond the superficial alterations that only affect the images appearance. These changes are made with the introduction of content. This is achieved prier to the image being recorded or in post-production. If in the physical world these changes are done in the building of a set and or with the introduction of props and or models. The resulting photographed image can be now be reclassified as an artistic representation. If however while the physical set remains another should photograph it, having not contributed to its conceptual integrity, then their image remains as the Narrative classification. Once the physical scene has been dismantled the photographed image plays more of a prominent role as the art itself.
While changes made in the analog world can be limited. The digital world offers greater access to change in post-production. So much so that original content can be generated, establishing the digital image as the art itself.
While I began as a Narrative practitioner, my work today is much more conceptual. I use photographs innate narrative properties to record objects or people. That I then include in an imaged reality. Realities are how we organize our lives around accepted beliefs. Of all the realities that we entertain such as governments and religions. There exists only one undeniably true reality, the reality of our physical existence defined by our sexuality, the purpose of the process. Two of my favorite realities is religion and the enigma of our sexuality. Once I have finished with the composing of the components of the image. I will often add a texture to the completion of the image. Sometimes the texture is used to enhance the appearance but sometimes it plays a more intangible part in the story telling itself. I share my post-production between PicMonky and ACDSee. I process only Jpeg files.
The Reality of Art is what is to be human. It represents purposeful act of human intent and not a random occurrence of circumstance. Nor is art found in nature. While nature my inspire art, art does not exist in nature. It is the physical embodiment of human emotion, all life experiences emotion on some level. Art does not exist outside the conscious awareness of human existence. Emotions are our intangible physical responses to life situations ( example death ). All emotions are embedded in our sexuality the purpose of the process. a by-product of our sexuality the purpose of the process.
The appreciation of art is dependent on the shared emotional response found between the viewer and the artist.
Curtis Salonick 