Is photography an art?

Question

What distinguishes an artist from a technician? Which is a photographer?

Does the artist create beauty where none existed before, while a photographer just identifies and illuminates beauty that was already there?

When I say "artist" I mean somebody truly creative, not just a painter who records what he sees, or *shudder* mass-produces illustrations of cottages surrounded by flowers, and in the case of Kinkade, agrees to paint a picture for you with colors chosen to harmonize with your room's furniture.

Poets and musicians produce beauty and are also artists in the sense that I mean to convey, the ability to create beauty.

Mastery of technique is not enough to qualify as art. Virtuosity is not musicianship. What does a photographer need to do in order to be not just a capable technician but also an artist? Does art imply recognition over time?

Answer 1

Technically no. It is a series of methodical steps in the development of images on a silver coated acetate film. Or in todays parlance the methodical production of digital images.

Before I get blown out of the dark room or kicked off my computer terminal, I want to make it clear:

The Photographer is an artist. S/he chooses the placement of the camera, the lighting, the angle, the subject. They see something in the frame of their camera lens which entices them to take a certain picture. Their work has a certain signature, a certain style, a certain something that grabs your attention.

The art of the photographer is to pull out the beauty that is already there that no one notices until it is brought to their attention. This is a type of creativity, to see what others do not and to draw in out into the light of day.

Answer 2

The question has long been debated... for almost 2 centuries. Here's a very simple mental exercise for you: describe what you mean by "art" and see if it applies to photography in any way, shape or form. Anyone can draw or paint but not anyone can create something desired by many... in the same manner that anyone can pick up a camera (moreso today with the immense advancements in photography) and snap off a few "pictures" or "snapshots" but it takes a really creative mind and experienced eye to take an image that is considered a PHOTOGRAPH, as opposed to a snapshot, don't you think?

"Good" art or "good" photographer both have things in common, the artist/photographer has certain talents, skills, knowledge and experiences that are conveyed in their work and differentiates them from the average person attempting the same craft. A technician can imatate others by virtue of skills and experience but may lack the orginality or talent to be original, and inspiring.

Just as the "artist" recreates something on his/her canvas or drawing paper, the photographer also composes and uses his skills, knowledge and talents to bring forth something while not bring certain parts forth to distract the viewer. There is also the knowledge of the photographer that will use colors to enhance or subdue a part of the image, whether through complimentary or complementary (
The question is moot, yet not debated so much today since it has long been established, or at least ACCEPTED, by those who buy and sell what is considered "art" have already answered the question or have brought the question to a resolution by virtue of the prices commanded at the galleries where photographs are displayed and sold.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

A photographer is an artist who has to be technical. Their mediums are light, silver and time. These are manipulated to the photographers desired effect during the exposure of the film, the developing of the film and in the printing process.
The technical part is keeping a recipe of what was done to create the ultimate effect in the photo.
Charels Bukowski is a poet. Do his words convey beauty? FuckNo! Is he an artist? Yes.
Half the contestants on American Idol are musicians. Does their singing and music create beauty. Uhhh.... no comment. Are they artists? Yes. Because they are in the process of building up their craft.
You should look at more photos. Try Dog Dogs by Elliott Erwitt. He went around the world taking pictures of dogs. He found beauty in some places most would not. For instance in his photograph of a young boy and his dog in the the desert of Morocco, there is nothing but lifeless rocky soil and endless blazing sky. Not too pretty. The boy is squatting, smiling and holding his dog. The expressions captured on their faces is a vibrant sense of life. It's the juxtaposition between the environment and the subject matter that makes this photograph amazing and beautiful.

Answer 4

art takse the same technicality as photography, you just don't realize it because that knowledge is easier for you to understand. Some photography is spectacular art because you aren't simply depicting something, you are showing your view, a view which others don't see, and artist do the same thing. Not to mention some photographers set up their own shoot and lighting, while others deal with manipulation which goes beyond just snapping a camera at something, it is the thought process behind something that makes it art I think and painters, drawiers and photographers have the same thought process, they just take it in different directions.

Answer 5

I believe yes. Anyone can learn and master the technical side of photography. You could almost teach a monkey to operate a camera, [ :) ] but in order to get good pictures you have to have a good artistic sense about what looks good in a photograph, how to compose a good picture, etc. Even only having a cheapy disposeable camera a good photographer could still get a good picture out of that.

Answer 6

Photography is absolutely an art. As a photographer i consider myself to be an artist. I consider graphic designers to be artists too. Sure as a job they might have to be technical but what they do on their own time is art. Photography is about composition and lighting. To find somthing that is beautiful and to bring that out is truly creative. To find beauty in something that other people would find to be ordinary is amazing. Once people see the photographs, they understand why we consider ourselves artists.

Answer 7

Try Trick Photography Special Effects : http://tinyurl.com/E5ejLpg6hJ

Answer 8

Yes, photography is considered an art. You conception of "art" is very flawed. Art is not particularly about "portraying beauty" as you say. Art is whatever the artist wants to convey.

In the case of Goya's inquisition art; it was created to show the cruelty of the Grand Inquisition of Spain.

You can perhaps learn more about art and then your mind will be opened.

Answer 9

Photography is an Visual Arts and Science.

Answer 10

well it depends.... really. if that picture expresses the way you feel than it is. each picture that you take with a camera has an emotion and when you see that picture... it makes you feel in a certain way...