Assignment 1 PART 2

 Art:

Source: http://lazyphotographr.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/more-from-the-occupy-toronto-front-all-ages-acceptable/

Photographer - Colette Stevenson               Source: http://sueedworthy.ca/tag/occupy-toronto/

Press:

Photographer: Darren Calabrese  Source: http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/11/15/occupy-toronto-protesters-given-midnight-deadline-to-leave-park/

Photographer: Darren Calabrese  Source: http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/11/15/occupy-toronto-protesters-given-midnight-deadline-to-leave-park/

1. The main differences and similarities between art and press photography;

 Within these four photographs one can see that there are a few similarities between them, but also some striking differences within these photos I have chosen. I would like to first point out that although the photos chosen are in black and white. Photos of an artistic nature do not generally have to be in black and white. For the similarities within these group of photographs, even though they are all on the same subject of the recent Occupy Toronto movement that has swept us up this last month. They all have a subject. Be it the old lady at the tent, or the woman carrying away her belongings all photos have a subject in which the viewer can be fixed upon. Each photo does also give off interesting framing to many of the subjects, for instance the dog in foreground gives more notice to the protester packing their bags in the background. Also the same can be seen with the photograph of the Canadian flag marching in front of the Bank of Nova Scotia.

 Lastly, the differences that can be seen within these groups of photographs. I find that the art photography (albeit black and white) carries darker and richer tones to improve the contrast of the photographs and make it more dynamic. As where I can see the press photos almost seemed to be washed out by the colour of the sky and the atmosphere around it. Another difference that stands out to me is that in press photography we find that the main focus is majority a person or a grouping of people. Within the art photograph of the Canadian flag we can see there are no people in the photo and yet it gives off a richer image as compared to the photo of the dog and the packer in the background. Art photography uses  shapes and contrast to deliver a message as to where press photography gives the facts as how they are.


2. Is it ethical and acceptable to alter art photographs? Why? Why not?

   I believe that within the realm of art photography it is considered extremely acceptable, even encouraged to alter your photographs. When people look at art photography, they want to escape from the real world. Instead of looking out your window and seeing a flower, you can see that flower from a whole new angle and with sharper contrast than we would normally see it. Art photography is all about taking the every day and making it something extraordinary.

   Although I believe there are limitations to these alterations before it becomes a washed out mess. I believe viewers still want to look upon a photograph and be confused for just a moment until their minds pop into their head saying it is a flower. In regards to the photos we have here. The photographer has taken the images into black and white and increased the contrast to create a dynamic photograph.

3. Is it ethical and acceptable to alter press photographs? Why? Why not?

   When I look at the newspaper I expect to see photographs of the news. How they were shot, not alterations, and showing the full story. I know newspapers have been caught with not telling the full story and favoring one side more than the other due to alterations. In my opinion this is not the way to go about displaying the news. We as people are supposed to make our own decisions, not be told by someone else how we should be. Now I do understand that some altering has to be done. For instance if the photo is to dark or washed out touch ups so the general message can be brought forth, I can completely agree with that. The only point where I believe the alterations should end is when the story starts to change from what it actually is. At no point should that be acceptable but in our day and age. We can see this all the time.