Art

[tomorrowstreasures]

We covered what makes a photograph great - now I pose the query - what makes it art?

[Marko]

Hmmm....very very tough question.

What makes a photograph art?

What makes anything art?
I like this definition from the dictionary
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/art[2]
4 a: the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects

[tirediron]

The viewer's opinion. Nothing more, nothing less. It might be art to you, but not to me, and vice-versa.

[Mad Aussie]

If you mean "When does a photo cease being a photo and becomes art?" then I'd say it's in the post processing when graphic elements are added or when other photos are added to the photo. Basically if it's processed tothe point where it is no longer something you did or could take with the camera alone then it's ceased to be a photo to me and become an image/art/graphic

[Iguanasan]

If you mean "When does a photo cease being a photo and becomes art?" then I'd say it's in the post processing when graphic elements are added or when other photos are added to the photo. Basically if it's processed tothe point where it is no longer something you did or could take with the camera alone then it's ceased to be a photo to me and become an image/art/graphic

I'd have to say that any photo regardless of post processing can be art. It might be the way you arrange the shot. The decision on the angle and the lighting. The use of flash (or not). The use of some kind of filter, be it home-made or store bought. All of these things can make it art.

This is a question I've been struggling with myself recently as I consider myself a geek not an artist. Yet, photography brings out the artist in me.

As I think about it now it would seem to me that the difference has to do with intent. If you pick up a camera and point it at "stuff" and press the shutter you are a "picture taker". If you spend time setting up the shot. Adjusting settings. Finding different angles, lighting conditions, etc. with the INTENT of creating an image then it's art and that makes you a "photographer".

Wow, now I'm really starting to ramble... I must be getting old :eek:

[Mad Aussie]

I agree with all of that ramble IGtohellwithspellingouttherestofyourname ... I didn't mean to suggest or imply that photography is not art.

[tomorrowstreasures]

I agree with all of that ramble IGtohellwithspellingouttherestofyourname ... I didn't mean to suggest or imply that photography is not art.
MA - behave your self.

[Mad Aussie]

I can never remember how to spell his name! http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/hihi.gif Always have to go look .... from now on ... he's IG or Iggy to me ;)

[tomorrowstreasures]

I can never remember how to spell his name! http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/hihi.gif Always have to go look .... from now on ... he's IG or Iggy to me ;)
I think Igs is cuter. and besides, maybe Igs is a she!

[Mad Aussie]

I think Igs is cuter. and besides, maybe Igs is a she!
Oh yes ... maybe, maybe. I never look that closely to be honest! ;)

[Iguanasan]

Iguana (like the lizard) san (japanese "title"). Like "Daniel-san" from the karate kid. The iguana part is a long story I may mention some time.

Ig or Igs or Iggy or Glenn is fine and I'm not a "she". ;)
1651

[Mad Aussie]

So 'Lizard Friend' ... got it ;)

[Iguanasan]

I agree with all of that ramble IGtohellwithspellingouttherestofyourname ... I didn't mean to suggest or imply that photography is not art.

I kinda thought you felt that way but it looked like you were saying that art didn't come into it until you did post processing of some kind. At least that's what the following sounded like to me.


...then I'd say it's in the post processing when graphic elements are added or when other photos are added to the photo. Basically if it's processed tothe point where it is no longer something you did or could take with the camera alone then it's ceased to be a photo to me and become an image/art/graphic

[edbayani11]

iguanasan is correct in saying that all photographs can be art. as long as the piece contains any or all of the elements of art (line, color, texture, shape, form, space and value) because these are the building blocks of art. they are the visual language of art. each element is important. but since art is relative, some photographs may not please our senses while others see it as a beautiful photograph. the photographer can create the mood or express a message by the organized use of the elements.

[tirediron]

We covered what makes a photograph great - now I pose the query - what makes it art?

Your mind.

[Marko]

From my friend Tracy

"If it's blurry, it's art."

[Marko]

On a more serious note - IMO - 'Photography' needs an update and a definition change as technology has forever changed photography. The boundaries for "what is a photograph" keep getting wider and wider.

[tomorrowstreasures]

Wanna see what I think is raw, real, true photographic art? Give this link a hit, then proceed to view her images and read her thought process as well of this woman's year in self portraits. It was part of a 365 day pool... I stumbled upon it the other day and was totally mesmerized, absorbed. (I know, I don't get out much, but hey!) She shot about half of her year with a wee Canon P/S - then received a Nikon as a gift. All I can say about this girls self portrait year is WOW! The shot from a few days ago is worth a look all on it's own. (2nd link)

http://flickr.com/photos/karenebiggs/sets/72157603991363724/

http://flickr.com/photos/karenebiggs/3297785263/

[Mad Aussie]

I guess that way it's easy for her to always find a subject to shoot! I'd get bored of taking photos of myself by ... well ... hell I'm bored wit hthe thought already! :rolleyes:

[tomorrowstreasures]

I guess that way it's easy for her to always find a subject to shoot! I'd get bored of taking photos of myself by ... well ... hell I'm bored wit hthe thought already! :rolleyes:


the whole idea of it was totally new to me as of the other day - but there are groups of these people doing the same thing! i was really taken by her journey. to see how she grew - to see what she learned about herself... what she put forth was so deep and raw - and - to shoot with a point and shoot and get the results she got. i guess one really has to be open to the idea of delving deep into the psyche of another and to appreciate it as an art form.
btw - she said is not a model or a photographer... but she most certainly is an artist.

[BlueX]

I think anything can be considered a work of art if it invokes strong emotions or feelings from the viewer. Although, blurry = art is a much easier definition to understand.

[AcadieLibre]

I am just amazed on how many of these topics I miss.