To often the photographed image is considered art based solely on the existence of an image not taking into account how the image was realized. When one does consider how the image is realized a clear and distinct difference can be drawn between photography and the more traditional arts such as painting, drawing, and sculpture to mention a few. In the traditional arts the participant or artist plays a direct role in the physical application of material in the creation of a new reality. While in photography when practiced in its most recognizable role the recorded image represents a Narrative depiction of an existing reality as it appeared in real time void of any human involvement. Here the participant or photographer plays more of a supporting role in the operation of the camera and composition of an existing scene. Photography s dependency on a camera to record instead of the skilled hands or the artisan to create, is what establishes photography as a independent visual platform and separates it form the traditional arts. This Narrative classification of photography does not however mean that it can not be transitioned to represent a more creative approach. However in order to accomplish this photography must first shed its Narrative skin. In order to achieve this the photographer must make changes to the image that go beyond the superficial modifications that only affect its appearance. These changes need to impact the physical reality of the scene with the introduction of content. These changes can be applied in the physical world with the building of sets and addition of props or in the digital world in post-production or a combination of both. In the Analog world where a physical presents is required the resulting scene becomes the art it self. Until as such time that the original scene has been dismantled. It is then that the photographed image, plays a more significant role as the art it self. If in the mean time however another person should happen upon the same scene and also photographs it, having not contributed to its intellectual integrity their image remains in the Narrative classification. Another important distinction between photography and the traditional arts is its reliance on pre-existing objects that are utilized by the photographer in the establishment of a new reality, and while the objects themselves are not exclusive to the photographer the resulting image may be.
Criteria for judging photography :
The Narrative : This represents the final step in the recording of a reality as it appeared in real time, void of any outside human involvement.
The Narrative Subjective : This is where the pre-existing elements found in the scene are rearranged by the photographer as to their interpretation of the scene prier to it being recorded.
The Narrative Conceptual : This is where the photographer takes control of the narrative with the physical introduction of new content either prier to the image being recorded or in post-production.
Conceptual Imagined : This is where the establishment of new reality is realized in post-production representing a reality that did not exist in the physical world.
Curtis Salonick 