1. The main differences and similarities between art and press
photography;
Press photography or photojournalism is taking pictures
essentially to record and convey news or events; while, art photography strives
to transfer the artist’s emotions and feelings to the audience rather than
news. Moreover, taking an artistic photo needs an artistic vision and
creativity. Also press photography is normally taken as an evidence or support
for the specific news.
Additionally, according to National Press Photographs Association
(NPPA) there are rules that must be followed by photojournalists (NPPA);
whereas, art photographers do not follow those rules.
However, as the nature of the two genres of photography is about
taking photos, there are sharing many commonalities. They both capturing a
moment using the same tool which is camera. Furthermore, both of them convey
and tell a story to the audience: one portrays news, and the other tells story
about the artist’s emotions and feelings, or pictures people’s lifestyles. Yet,
I believe despite all the differences that art and press photography might have,
a press photography also needs to be artistic to be the most effective.
2. Is it ethical and acceptable to alter art photographs? Why? Why
not?
Yes, post-processing techniques and manipulating photos in order
to beautify and add more to them have been used by photographers long before
the invention of Photoshop and the digital era, in fact, it existed since
photography was born (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2012); hence, it is not
something new. Therefore, in my opinion, art photographs can be still altered
as much as the artist would like to do so. However, photographers should be
honest and let audience know about the changes they have made on photos to
avoid misleading the audience. For example, nowadays, there are many software
and applications that can be used to alter a photo to the point that it does
not look like a photo but something else such as painting, and some may take
advantage of this and introduce themselves as a painter other than a
photographer.
3. Is it ethical and acceptable to alter press photographs? Why? Why
not?
I believe when a
photo is reporting an event which later will be on the news and media, should
not be altered because the artist might change the photo in favor of a group or
party, or alter the photo in a way that it shows what he or she wants to be
seen and not the pure truth. However, moderate editing should be allowed as
long as it does not change the message that needs to be delivered. The editing
must be limited to color, brightness, contrast, etc. to improve the quality of
the picture
PRESS
ART
References:
"First Major Exhibition
Devoted to History of Manipulated Photography Before Digital Age Opens at
Metropolitan Museum October 11 October 11, 2012-January 27, 2013." The
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 14 Aug. 2012. Web. 6 Nov. 2015.
"NPPA Code of Ethics." NPPA Code of Ethics. NPPA. Web. 2 Nov.
2015
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