@Randem

Recently, I discussed the topic of “taking” photos vs. “making” photos. Today I’d like to continue on that thought.

The question is: What kind of photographer are you? What kind of photographer do you want to be?

There are two kinds of photographers: journalists and artists. Both require skill, but each uses it differently. One uses his camera to record the facts, the other uses his camera to express a fiction. One produces photos that are documentary, the other produces photos that are fantasy. In other words, one takes photos, while the other makes photos.

Taking a photo
The photojournalist takes photos. He “captures” a scene. He records an event. When you look at a roll of his photos in a series, you see the story of what happened. While photojournalism can often evoke an emotion (example), the photos themselves are a cold, sterile retelling of fact.

Those who tend toward photojournalism — those who tend to take photos — find their niche in such realms as news photography, war photography, sports photography, street photography, or doing school portraits.

Making a photo

The photo-artist, on the other hand, makes photos. He “creates” a scene. He sells an idea. When you look at a roll of his photos in series, you form the story of what could be, what might be, what you imagine, what you want. The very intent is to convey a thought or an emotion. Facts are covered up, because they distract too much from the fiction.

Those who tend more toward photography as an art — those who prefer to make photos — usually find their place in fashion photography, glamour photography, fine art photography, commercial photography, or stock photography.

Both of the photos on this page have the same meaning to me. One says it through through the cold retelling of fact, while the other conveys it through the expression of an idea.

Tags: photography

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 19th, 2008 at 2:00 pm and is filed under photography. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.