Press photography versus art photography

Topic 2: Press photography versus art photography - 15% Option 1: Find two press photographs and two art photographs (provide the names of the authors and sources) and explain: The main differences and similarities

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

- Is it ethical and acceptable to alter press photographs? Why? Why not? You should use at least two sources from the readings. (300 words).

The main difference between press photographs and art photographs is press captures the moment of truth. It presents a feeling to the viewer and establishes a predetermined feeling prior to reading an article. Press photographs can be altered to give evidence of the author's article. For example the picture of the protester was altered to include the crowd to show "strong protesting".

 Tank Man or Unknown Rebel by Jeff Widener 1989

Though both types can be altered, press altered photos are in my opinion unethical. This is due to the power of the press and the way you can manipulate a person’s feeling towards a subject. Even the selection of pictures for an article can change the reader's emotion and ideas towards the subject. An example of this is the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina. Instead of  publishing photos of the relief efforts, many newspapers would post photos of looting and arrests as their cover photo.

Suspected Looter By Irwin Thompson-Dallas

In terms of art photographs it is ethical and acceptable due to one of it’s goal which is to be aesthetically pleasing to the view.  With art photographs manipulations made in the dark room can be considered the artistic styling of one photographer. For example the fashion photographer Ellen Rogers, she refrains from using digital equipment and enhancing. Her style consists of experimentation in dark room to soften her pictures. 

 Solipsism By Ellen Rogers 2011

 Crow by Ellen Rogers 2009

Sources:
Winslow, D. (2001, September 8). Photojournalists covering katrina fall victim to growing violence, chaos. Retrieved from http://www.nppa.org/news_and_events/news/2005/09/hurricane2.html 


Wikipedia, . (2011, March 25). Tank man. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tank_man

Rogers, Ellen. (2009, March 25). Photoshoots. Retrieved from http://www.ellenrogers.co.uk/photoshoots