Photography: Art vs. Press

This assignment delves into the distinctions between art and press photography. It examines their similarities, such as conveying messages and employing creativity, while highlighting key differences in purpose and manipulation. Students analyze examples of both types, including works by Cartier-Bresson and images from news events, to understand their unique roles in society.

Running head: PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1PHOTOGRAPHY
Table of Contents
Answer to question 1:......................................................................................................................2
Answer to question 2:......................................................................................................................2
Answer to question 3:......................................................................................................................3
Art photography...............................................................................................................................4
Press photography............................................................................................................................5
Reference List..................................................................................................................................7

2PHOTOGRAPHY
Answer to question 1:
The similarities between the art and press photography are the photographs that are
captured, which helps in telling a story or is used to convey a message. The person who takes up
these photographs is creative and has a proper conception, which helps them to explain the
happenings through the help of photograph. The similarities are mainly based on the creativity
apart from which it serves as different purposes.
Most of the press photographers click the pictures, which helps in providing a specific
purpose. They are usually connected with some magazines or newspapers and the primary focus
of the pictures are based on the current events that help in telling a story. The difference between
them is that the photography that is related to press can be used as a visual support apart from
words that helps in conveying a story about a document or an event to the viewers. Art
photography on the other hand, is based mainly on the creative vision of the photographer. It is
considered to be an expression of the photographer who has tried to capture the image ("Cartier-
Bresson's Decisive Moment by David Friend - The Digital Journalist", 2017)
Answer to question 2:
Manipulation of photos in the current world scenario has become a phenomenon and is
largely affecting the world of art photography. Manipulation of photography had started shortly
after the period when photography was invented. The editing and retouching of photos with the
help of digital media has helped the photographers who specialized in fine art to create the
photos in a creative manner. Practicing this type of alterations in art photography is widely
acceptable and is ethical in nature, as it is mainly based on the imagination and level of creativity

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that the photographer has while capturing the picture. The combination of art with respect to
photography allows the viewers and the photographers to term the photographs as art
photography. Painting plays an influential role that has been present since the invention of
concept of photography and helped the photographers in gaining valuable insights about art
photography. The combination of painting and photography has helped in coining the term art
photography. The photographers have the right to manipulate the photographs, as they try to
convey their own story rather than conveying ideas of other people (Shooting the truth: How
photographs in the media betray us by Gordana Iceveska).
Answer to question 3:
It is unethical to alter the photographs that are related to the press, as the photographers
try to convey a message based on the truth that has been captured with respect to an event. These
photographs try to portray a vivid picture about the real case scenario so that the viewers can
have a proper idea about the incident that is taking place. The primary aim of this photography is
to provide the image in its truest format to the public so that they can understand the happenings
around its surrounding. These images try to connect the viewer with the situation so that they can
have the same experience that is being portrayed through the photo. These images need to be
kept authentic so that it can allow the photographers to take credibility from the public and
continue their work in a diligent manner.

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Art photography
Figure 1: Andalucia, Seville. SPAIN, 1933 by Cartier-Bresson
(Source: "Magnum Photos", 2017)
Figure 2: The Var department, 1932 by Cartier-Bresson
(Source: "Magnum Photos", 2017)

5PHOTOGRAPHY
Press photography
Figure 3: Lady GaGa performing at Glastonbury Festival in Pilton
(Source: SWNS, 2009)

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Figure 4: Man standing in the church ruins in the earthquake of Haiti
(Source: Sunday Tribune, 2010)

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Reference List
Cartier-Bresson's Decisive Moment by David Friend - The Digital Journalist.
(2017). Digitaljournalist.org. Retrieved 31 October 2017, from
http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0412/friend.html
Magnum Photos. (2017). Pro.magnumphotos.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017, from
http://pro.magnumphotos.com/Asset/-2S5RYD1B6V1O.html)
Magnum Photos. (2017). Pro.magnumphotos.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017, from
http://pro.magnumphotos.com/Asset/-2S5RYDZCKY50.html)
Shooting the truth: How photographs in the media betray us by Gordana Iceveska p 18-19