Why do people take/make photographs?
1. People take pictures for many different reasons, here are the ones I can think of; to express creativity, to make a statement, to capture moments, to tell a story, to better understand concepts and ideas in a visual way, showcase thoughts, to sell something or advertise, to explore your skills, experimentation with angles/lighting, or because it simply looks cool. I personally take pictures because I enjoy the freedom to try new things whilst out and about. Taking good pictures is easy when you know what you like and you know your own style and how to criticise it. Why is photography important? 2. Photography is becoming ever more important as the world is changing and becoming more digitally inclined and evolved around the internet. Photography is a great art form to interpret new and innovative ideas because I think that it is a lot easier to communicate a message with a visual representation; an expressive story, it helps us humans to understand quickly what is being portrayed. What skills do you need to be a good photographer? 3. To be a good photographer you need a whole range of skills such as, being imaginative, expressive, collaborative, open minded, being instinctive, have a willingness to learn, have good editing skills and a good eye for design and details. And most importantly don't be afraid to take an image in a public place because of what people 'might' say. The word 'might' is the key...people generally tend to not cause a scene and keep their opinions (however cynical) to themselves. How many different kinds of photography can you think of? 4. Different types of photography include: fashion photography, food photography, ariel photography, architectural photography, candid photography, documentary photography, landscape photography, portraiture, night - long exposure photography, photojournalism, conceptual/fine art photography, street photography, wildlife/nature photography and wartime photography. How does photography help us see the world? 5. Photography helps us to see the world in a different way to how we normally see it. Through a lens from someone else's perspective, thats how I like to think of it. We can learn a lot from photographs about culture and animals for example that we wouldn't normally see. Photography educates us in this way with documentations from around the world of amazing and awe inspiring things, people and places which can also inspire us to take our own photos in the styles of different artists. Photography also teaches us to have a more detailed way of looking and taking in surroundings. It teaches us that there is beauty in the mundane reality of everyday life, and to not take this fact for granted. Photography also teaches us to analyse our visual thoughts and translate these thoughts into words people can understand. Can photographic images be trusted? 6. The question of if photographs can be trusted or not is a hard one because they can be edited and manipulated in various ways. However, photographs are what YOU make of them and should be trusted...as what you're looking at is the final product from an artist, and I'm sure the photographer would rather you take your own interpretation, even if you interpret it wrong, than giving it no thought at all. What are the similarities and differences between photography and other types of visual art? 7. I think photography is one of the most relevant and modern art forms of today. You can collect so much information from just one still frame about what is being depicted and I find photography most interesting as it’s a real life ‘in the moment’ representation of an individuals views and creativity. So, yes photography is different to most art forms, however its similar to painting as fitting a short story into a 'frame' is what most good painters and photographers do right? I think that its different to most art forms of today though as images taken in public, 'street photography', can be changed instantaneously if for example a member of the public walks through your shot...and by then you could have lost the perfect moment. |
When would it not be OK to take a photograph?
8. It would only not be ok to take a photograph if you are specifically asked not to. Otherwise you should take them whenever you feel inspired or feel necessary to do so. Certain situations like when someone is on the toilet, sleeping on public transport, or getting changed would not be appropriate, but I think if you feel the moment is right...take the shot, don't lose the moment to a perfect picture and just ask the person afterwards if you think they might have an issue with being in the frame. How do you know when you've made a good photograph? 9. I think a ‘good photo’ can look different to everyone, but there are a few things I can mention about how to make a good quality one. the timing has to be right, the composition and the angle its taken from, if it is properly focused and appropriately sharp, and it has to have the right balance of background and foreground. It also has to be intriguing, however should be simplistic and attractive. Are photographers also artists? 10. YES...Photographers are also artists! Where is the best place to see photographs? 11. Either online platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to find a whole range of images, or in a gallery/exhibition are the best places to view photos. |