I have talked about the different types of photography before and the difference between “snapshots1” and “ART” (all capitals high art). In some cases this might be expressed as things vs emotions. Most photographs are taken as a memory aid, to help remember a person, place or thing. Some photographs (or art in general) set up a story, or at least encourage the viewer to feel something about what they are looking at. In other words, there is a difference between recognition and emotion.
Comparing a good cell phone camera with a more serious camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or high end dedicated camera), cameras are, for the most part, designed to make snapshots easy. There is an assumption that most people are not creative visual artists. The assumption says most people just want a record of what they are pointing the lens at.
Some photographs are more about what is in front of the camera rather than what the photographer was feeling behind the camera. to be clear, a photographer may have an emotion towards the subject (if it is a loved one, for example) but a great photographer can translate those emotions so anyone (for some general definition of “anyone”) looking at the image will feel those same emotions. this is the art of photography, the ability to communicate the awe of a landscape, the compassion of a stranger, or the sexiness of a pepper
If a total stranger can appreciate an even enjoy your photograph, you have succeeded..
- I understand that some snapshots can creep over into Fine Art territory, such as those by Cartier Bresson
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