ART PHOTOGRAPHY VS PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY

Definition:

Press Photography:

A press photographer takes photographs to record news, current events and lifestyle stories. Their aim is to capture the best images in order to document an event, tell a story or convey a message. The pictures are then reproduced in newspapers, magazines and, increasingly, niche-market, web-based publications. (Reference: http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/press_photographer_job_description.jsp) 
 

We call this person a journalist. This person’s principle should be aligned with the code of ethics which is “producing accurate news for the public” (Week 09 Module: A Brief History of Photojournalism)

Photograph courtesy Daniel Berehulak, Getty Images

Walter Astrada, Argentina
Bloodbath in Madagascar, February.

Art Photography:

                Fine art photography refers to photographs that are created in agreement with the imaginative vision of the photographer as artist. Fine art photography stands in contrast to photojournalism (which provides visual support for news stories, mainly in the print media) and commercial photography (the primary focus of which is to advertise products or services).

(Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fine_art_photography)

Photography by Charles Cramer

"Melusine" by Sylvie Chadourne

Both of this method has similarities and differences.

In comparison, art photography and press photography has obvious and evident similarities. Both of this kind of photography approach uses the same instrument – (a camera) to communicate and to address a given significant event to the target audience. Behind this instrument is an eye of a photographer who wants to make their target audience feel what they are experiencing.

However these two approaches have more distinction to the other. One of them is the altering of the images.

                In art photography, it is acceptable to change and modify the picture. This approach does not need the truth but instead it desires the crafty and imaginative feelings and thoughts to articulate beauty. This approach conveys the photographer’s emotion. There is freedom to capture and alter their images.

                On the other hand, in press photography you cannot alter the images. According to code of ethics of National Press Photographers Association, a photograph should “not manipulate images or add or alter sound in any way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.”

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

"A Brief History of Photojournalism." Photography Schools. Find the Best School and Be a Career Photographer. Web. 23 Apr. 2011. <http://www.photography-schools.com/photojournalismhistory.htm>.

 

"Fine Art Photography." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 23 Apr. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fine_art_photography>.

 

Week 09 Module Reading Notes