The case for Photography as a form of art:

A review of the Literature

Erick Rutt

RC 2001

Professor LeQuire

October 18, 2023

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Literature Review

One of the most important questions in the world of Photography is whether it should be

considered as a form of art. These debates have been going on since the creation of Photography

and often questions the definition of art. The scholarship suggests that Photography shares

elements that would fall under the definition of art.

Art

Art is an expression done through creativity using one’s mind/imagination to convey a

message or express an emotion or thought. Sam Kench (2021) discusses the definition of art that

is found in the dictionary and heavily suggests that Photography is a form of visual art as it’s

clearly shown that it falls under art’s own definition. He also points out that photographs are

required to be composed, exposed, and focused which all inherit a form of artistic value (Kench

2021). One of the biggest arguments against photography is that it captures the real world rather

than having someone else portray or express their own reality. According to Jena McGarey (2023)

the definition of art does not limit it to one specific medium. Art can be expressed through different

mediums such as different types of paintings and even though sculptures. Photography can seen

as a form of expression which is what art is described as Jena McGarey (2023). Similarly, Eden

Gallery (2021) noted that Photography can viewed as a fine art as well as be created for specific

creative expression by being lined up with an artist’s vison. Photography sees the use of other

elements of art that are seen in paintings and sculptures with some being size, color, balance, and

texture Eden Gallery (2021).

Photography
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Photography is defined as the process of recording an image. Nina Licul (2020) argues

that Photography is another advancement in technology and another way people can express

themselves to the world. Like many things the world continues to see advancements that help us

take the next big step. Cave art is one of the earliest forms of art and with time we have

continued to see advancements and be introduced to new forms of art and Photography is just

another example of that Nina Licul (2020). Chinwe Okpoko & Mpho Chaka (2022) have a

similar stance when discussing photography as a form of expression. It is the goal to express a

creative idea or emotion that is unique to the artist. Photographs are created to be seen as

artworks. They can be rare artifacts and be shown off like other forms of artwork that are seen in

art museums. Photography has been influential as well as one of the most revolutionary

advancements of art in the 20th century. This has allowed artists to experiment with new

possibilities and expand their practices and has changed the way we understand artistic

expression Chinwe Okpoko & Mpho Chaka (2022). Artwork has the ability to tell a story

through creativity and the detail that goes into it. Photography also shares this ability through the

detail and execution that goes into creating a photograph. According to Debra Livingston (2022),

Portrait photography has been able to capture the life and times of people. The goal of a portrait

may not always have the intention to pick apart the person who is being photographed but rather

tell a story or get a point across. An example of portraits that have a storytelling ability would be

war photographs. Many soldiers have been photographed during the times of war and their facial

expression and surrounding figures and people can add to a simple photograph. The times when

wars were active were not very pleasant and photographs taken during that time can illustrate the
horror and difficulties faced by those who were alive during those times Debra Livingston

(2022).

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Laziness

Photography is another advancement in technology, but this advancement is not seen as a

positive in the eyes of many others. Because a camera can capture a photo in seconds some see

this as cheating or a form of being lazy because it does not require the same amount of time and

effort that might go into something like a painting or sculpture. (Thames & Hudson 2012)

discusses questions and points that have gained traction among critics in this still ongoing

debate. A regular person without any experience or training can a high-quality camera and

capture an image and it would still be difficult for a painter to match that type of quality even

with years of experience. One picture can be taken a replicated thousands of times so where is

the creativity and effort in that (Thames & Hudson 2012)? Similarly, Sam Kench (2021) noted

that there is no creativity if all the tools and resources are given straight to someone because

there is no creative thought process behind it. Debra Mumford (2020) also discusses how a

picture can be snapped in seconds by anyone without a thought behind it. If the process is so

quick and easy, then what’s unique or special about photography?

The scholarship suggests that Photography can be considered as a form of art. The

scholarship indicates that even through the rebuttals against photography it is still a complex

process that requires a vison and creativity just like other forms of art.

Considering photography as a form of art will continue to be up for debate among

Photographers and artists around the world. Art does not have one specific medium which
continues to raise questions about what does art limit itself to? Photography’s definition has

aspects that are in line with the definition of art which would help the case for it being a form of

art. Artists will continue to rebuttal this as some believe photography has no creativity process or

lacks any form of effort that would go into creating other forms of art. This hot debate should

continue to go back and forth for many years to come.

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Bibliography

Hudson, Thames Is photography art? (n.d.). http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/photography-

art.htm http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/photography-art.htm

Kench, Sam (2021, March 10). Is photography art? - both sides of the debate explained.
StudioBinder. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/is-photography-art-debate/ Is
Photography Art? — Both Sides of the Debate Explained (studiobinder.com)

Eden, Gallery What is photography? is photography an art?. Eden Gallery. (n.d.).

https://www.eden-gallery.com/news/what-is-
photography#:~:text=As%20a%20relatively%20new%20medium,fine%20art%20or%20co
mmercial%20art. What is Photography? is Photography An Art? - Eden Gallery (eden-
gallery.com)

McGarey, Jena Is photography “art”? AH 331 History of Photography Spring 2021

Compendium. (n.d.). https://scalar.chapman.edu/scalar/ah-331-history-of-photography-
spring-2021-compendium/jena-mcgarey-essay-1 Is Photography "Art"? (chapman.edu)

Licul, Nina Licul, N. (n.d.). Teachers’ views on the use of photography in teaching arts in
Croatian Primary Schools. Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal.
https://www.cepsj.si/index.php/cepsj/article/view/909
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