The concept of photography came into existence from 1839 to the middle of the last century and had been a topic of debate whether photography is an art form or just a way of using the optical-mechanical instrument to capture reality. But today it can be safely said that it is indeed a form of art.
“Unlike any other visual image, a photograph is not a rendering, an imitation, or an interpretation of its subject, but a trace of it. No painting or drawing, however naturalist, belongs to its subject in the way that a photograph does.”- John Berger
Photography today has become a way of how we see history and the everyday world. The purpose of a photograph is not just limited to capturing a moment, but it has the power to represent an entire social movement or can cause a change. Just as stories and poetry are used by authors and poets to express themselves similarly photography is like a language only that is used by photographers to express not only their opinions but the other’s opinion as well. The final product of photography is a photograph which can be defined as an image captured on film, paper, or in digital form.
With the advancement of technology today, photographers can change the outcome of an image with help of various cameras, lenses, film, etc. Tools such as filters, studio lighting, digital enhancement are used to enhance the photographs. Photography is a unique art form as one gets to show his/her vision through it. A proper skill set is required to get a final photo that exactly translates an idea.
A photograph becomes a piece of art when the photographer establishes a connection with the subject. Photography is a significant part of today’s world. It also happens to be the most accessible and democratic way of making art that has ever been invented.
How is photography an art form?
Wikipedia defines art as a “diverse range of human activities in creating visual, auditory or performing artifacts, expressing the author’s imaginative or technical skill, intended to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power.”
One can immediately link photography to this definition of art. Both art and photography have a key feature in common which is capturing emotions. A photographer can create art from any genre be it still life, street photography, documentary, landscape, nude, or portrait using a particular style and point of view, choice of lens, type of lighting, colour, or black and white.
Photography requires creativity and imagination. It has the ability to capture emotions through small details and it understands abstraction. It is the photographer’s idea that defines photography as art and offers us a different and fresh view of reality.
One doesn’t require to master the skill set to learn and appreciate the art of photography. It is a way to express ourselves through the lens of a camera and give wings to our imagination. Anyone can develop an artistic eye and great photographers have been able to develop their understanding of isolation and seeing beyond the original over time.
References
https://artdaily.com/news/118685/5-Reasons-Why-Photography-Is-an-Art-Form#.YMOYJagzY2x
https://www.artphotoacademy.com/photography-as-an-art-form/
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