Photographs Role as Art

Photographs role as an artistic representation is often misunderstood based Solly on the existence of an image. However when one considers how the image is realized a clear and distinct difference can be drawn between photography and the more traditional art forms such as painting, drawing and sculpture to mention a few. In photography the image is recorded by an external devise most often referred to as a camera. This dependency on a camera to record instead of create is what separates and establishes photography as a stand alone visual platform. When photography is practiced in its most recognizable role , the resulting image represents a Narrative depiction of an existing reality. Where the participant or photographer plays more of a supporting role in the operation of the camera, and composition of the scene. Under these circumstances the resulting image is a representation of medium itself. While in the traditional arts the participant or artist plays a direct role in the physical allocation of materials in the creation of a new reality.

Photographs Narrative classification does not however mean that photographs inherit value as a recording of an image can not be transitioned to represent a more artistic vision. To achieve this the photographer must go beyond the superficial changes that only affect the appearance of the image for example the distortion, coloration, and to some degree the addition of texture. The photographer must make physical changes to the originality of the scene with the introduction of content. This can be accomplished either prier to the image being recorded or in post-production or a combination of both. In the physical world of building sets and the adding of hard elements to the scene. The photographed image is a representation of the art assembled and does not play a more significant role, as the art it self until the original scene has been dismantled. If however before that is done anther should photograph the same scene, who has not contributed to its originality or integrity in any manner, their images reverts back to the Narrative classification of a photograph. Another distinct difference found between photography and the traditional arts is its reliance on pre-existing elements that are photographed and then used in the composition of the scene, and while the elements may not be exclusive to the photographer the resulting image may be considered exclusive.