How many of us have heard the phrase uttered one place or another: Photography is not art. I have, many times in the past. Surprisingly, most often from others who consider themselves artists.
Or if it’s not explicitly stated, the non-art of photography is implied in some way. Even by the photographers themselves: I can’t draw a straight line, but I can photograph. As if photography is the also-ran art form, what you turn to when you have otherwise no artistic talent. I can imagine an ad: Don’t worry if you can’t paint or draw, you can be a photographer!
Those of us who practice photography know these statements are not true. Photography is art and photographers are artists. I’m not going to belabor or try to prove the point here. Whether you believe it or you don’t, that’s your concern.
But what I want to point out is that being a photographer, being an artist who practices photography, is a choice. It’s a first choice.
It’s not a runner-up choice. It’s not what you do if you can’t paint or draw. It’s not what you do because it’s easier, or cleaner, or cheaper, or more accessible than your first choice art form.
Photography is what you do when you can help but see the details of the world. It’s what you do when the beauty of the lines around you takes your breath away. It’s what you do when you realize that you can frame things, things that everyone else might walk by everyday, and express yourself through them.
A photographer is an artist who can’t help but speak through the visual language of the lens. We are compelled to see and share the world this way. Those of us who have a deep heart and soul connection to the medium know this. There is no need to prove or justify it to anyone else.
I am a photographer by choice. It’s a choice I make, every day, as I continue to pick up my camera and seek to express myself. It’s a choice I make, as I continue to learn and grow my artistic vision.
But there are moments….
Moments I wonder if I don’t have it the wrong way around.
Moments when the need to create and communicate through a photograph is so powerful, I ask myself…
Did photography choose me?
Oh yeah … perfectly stated, Kat! Not sure how you did it but you expressed my heart as well.
Thanks Mariglee, it’s nice to hear that. I think, for those of us who love photography, it’s a shared experience.
I love how you put this . . . a choice, oh yes!
Feeling as if you have a choice is always the best, don’t you think?
Well said!
And I particularly love the ending … did photography choose you?
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks Diane! I think I’ve landed on the idea that it’s a bit of both. Photography chose me first, but I choose it, too.
So true, Kat. I’ve tried painting and drawing, and can do them – and enjoy them, too – but photography is what I love.
Yay! We have to go with what we love, don’t we?
You have vocalized something that I didn’t even know I was holding on to – the idea that photography is less of an art form than the traditional arts of painting,sculpture and drawing. That I do it because I “can’t” do the others. Thank you for pointing out the truth that photography is indeed a “first choice” art form.
I’m glad that you resonated with this! It was just in the last month or two I discovered I was holding on to the same notions. Realizing that I was choosing to pursue photography over all else, that my heart was really in love with photography when I could be drawing or painting instead, was powerful. I’m a photographer and proud of it!
You’ve said this perfectly. I couldn’t agree with you more!
Awesome! We can feel great about choosing this amazing art medium.