What is photography?
The google definition for photography is simply the art or practice of taking and processing photographs, however as art usually is, the definition is certainly subjective. Even calling photography 'art' could be considered false. Still, what is photography to me? For me, photography simply acts as another way of self expression yet there are multiple reasons as to why I enjoy it. Without photography, many memorable moments would not have been captured and the ability to relook at photos would be impossible. Even looking at an image of another person smiling can evoke an emotion of purity and joy for people.
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Why is photography considered important?
In some cases, it is used as a legal form of identification, such as a passport and a mugshot (for prison) which evidently highlights the level of importance photos hold. In others, photos can be less important if they were captured by accident, for example when a person takes an image in their pocket without knowing. To some, photos can be considered 'silly/stupid' if they display an act they interpret as foolish, however they remain important as they hold a memories of these moments for people. Propaganda in Nazi Germany, which was often (if not always false), is still very important today as it helps educate on the history of Germany and how it links back to British history.
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What skills are required to be a 'good' photographer?
From my point of view, all that's required is a good attention to detail and having the ability to capture something as it happens, as photography is usually all about chance. Obviously a basic understanding of how to use a camera (even just a phone camera is fine) is needed however photography isn't as complex as many people make it seem. In order to understand photography on the other hand is slightly more demanding as more of an imagination is required when interpreting other people's photo, however it truly isn't that difficult.
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How many kinds of photography can you think of?
How does photography help us see the world?
Photography allows us to visualise the world in many different perspectives depending on the photographer. No photo is completely identical, even if it was taken at the same time, same angle, same place, same anything. Each and every photo has its own unique qualities. The world can be perceived as euphoric if we were only surrounded by pleasant photos but the world could also be perceived as a dystopia if we were only surrounded by photos which highlights the horrors in society. A photographer could make everything seem peaceful by only deciding to capture incredibly pleasing photos but another could do the complete opposite.
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Can photographic images be trusted?
Not always, as people can pick very specific moments to capture which allows another person to perceive it as completely truthful, yet that may not be completely correct. Furthermore, with these specific images, people can advertise things falsely, which is why sometimes photographic images should not be trusted. Nevertheless, images can act as evidence in police cases, such as CCTV, clearly underlining their importance and how trustworthy they can be.
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What are the similarities and differences between photography and other types of visual art?
Similarities between photography and other types of visual art are that they are all way of expressing creativity and act as a way for people to be free with what they do. Any type of art can allow a person to express their emotions and can be used for other people to figure out and interpret a person and they reasoning for their actions. Differences however are that most visual arts, start off with a blank canvas, whereas with photography, a person has to pick a certain thing to capture and they start with their entire space around them as their canvas. In addition to this, photos can be exported and shown across the world; arguably so can paintings but a lot of the time they are photographed in order to be shown, further underlining the importance of photography.
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When would it not be OK to take a photograph?
I believe that photographs should not be captured if they are of a person and they do not give consent/permission for their photo to be taken and displayed. Photos should also not be taken if they are going to be used in a harmful way for another individual or if the time/place/person they're taken (by) is not suitable (such as an everyday person taking a photo of a crime scene being investigated).
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How do you know when you've captured a good photograph?
A good photography should make you feel proud of your work, create a sense of happiness or positivity when reviewing your work. You should be able to interpret your work how you intended it to be interpreted and overall just be pleasant to view in your eyes. A good photo can be seen as a 'bad' one to another person but as long as it is enjoyable to you, that is all that truly matters.
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Are photographers also artists?
I believe so. The google definition of art is: 'the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination' and in my mind, photos are a way for individuals to express themselves and their creative thoughts and abilities. Some photos may not have an intended purpose, however the ones that do are most definitely considered art. So yes, photographs are a work of art, meaning photographers are artists.
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Where is the best place to see photography?
Honestly, I believe there is no ideal place to look at photography. Arguably it would be a photography exhibition/gallery, however I believe that the best photography is all around us, and not just the ones displayed for everyone to see. The 'best' art is up to our own interpretation, so my definition isn't the same for another.
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What kind of photography interests you most and what confuses or frustrates your about photography?
Personally, I enjoy landscape photography and wildlife/nature photography the most. I enjoy viewing every aspect on Earth from the insects and flowers on the ground to the birds and clouds in the sky. The most frustrating thing about photography for me is definitely when people do not accept the fact that a person can find a photograph can be fascinating to someone else, even if it isn't to them. Photography is subjective, if a photograph does not interest you, it does not mean it loses the ability to interest another.
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