Defining Photography

So far you have engaged in "constructed" photography-- scenes that required you to assemble the image, directing toward a certain desired effect or result. At the other end of the spectrum are photographs which strive to be objective, to simply record "reality as it is," with as little intervention as possible. These two approaches have framed one of the great debates in photographic practice.

In this assignment, you will weigh in on that debate, creating images that fit your definition of what photography should be. The validity of your personal definition will hinge mostly on the quality of the photographs you produce. Action speaks louder than words.

Nonetheless, I want to hear your thoughts on this subject, and it will help me to appreciate what you're going after. So the second part of your assignment is to write out (just like we are doing when we take notes on the readings, or in your final version of Exercise 3) a summary of your position on this debate.

! Summarize then, in bulleted form, your definition of what photography should be, and then prove it with your photographs. You will also turn in your contact sheets.

Print your best image on either inkjet printer, at a size suitable for your pixel count.
Due on Thursday, March 9th, at the beginning of class.

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