What is Photography?

By WhiteWall Editorial

The world of photography: basics, technology, art

Photography is a multifaceted art form that captures the world in images and allows us to capture moments for eternity. But what exactly is photography? How does it differ from other visual media? In this article, we explore the basics of photography, from technique to art, from photojournalism to creative self-realization.

What is photography? Photography is more than just pressing the shutter button on a camera. It is the art of painting, composing and telling stories with light. Incidentally, the name "photography", which comes from the ancient Greek words phōs "light" and -graphy - meaning "drawing with light", says it all.

At its core, photography is a medium that is used in a variety of contexts and for different purposes. Photographic images can have both a primarily artistic and a primarily commercial character. The spectrum ranges from advertising and fashion photography to industrial photography. In addition, photography can be viewed from different perspectives: artistic, technical, economic and social. It also plays an important role in journalism and medicine, where it is used for documentation and visualization.

Photography has also found its way into research and teaching, particularly in the fields of art history and visual studies. While the artistic character of photography used to be controversial, especially in the age of pictorialism, it is now widely recognized. However, the assignment of photography to certain academic disciplines such as media or communication studies is still controversial.

With the transition from analog to digital photography at the beginning of the 21st century, photography has changed fundamentally. This technological shift has not only influenced the way photographs are taken and processed, but has also changed the entire photographic industry. This has led to an increased interest in cultural studies and cultural history research, particularly with regard to the archiving and preservation of photographs and their long-term digital storage.

Another important aspect of photography is the complex and multi-layered photography law. Image rights must be observed when using existing photographs, and legislation can vary greatly from country to country. It is therefore important for photographers and users alike to know and observe the legal framework.

However, photography is also and especially the combination of technology and creativity that creates images that evoke emotions and inspire reflection. The essence of photography ultimately consists of capturing a moment and recording it in a unique image, be it a simple sunset or a complex social event that we will remember for years and decades to come when we look at the iconic shot. It is not for nothing that a well-known saying goes: "A picture is worth a thousand words".

Technical basics of photographic technology

An understanding of the technical basics is essential for photographers. Let's start with the camera itself. A digital camera, be it a single-lens reflex camera (DSLR), a mirrorless system camera (DSLM) or a smartphone, offers a wide range of setting options to capture the desired image. Exposure time, aperture and ISO sensitivity are always the three main factors that significantly influence the image result.

For example, a very short exposure time can be used to freeze movement or, conversely, to create a dynamic motion blur, as in the case of a flowing body of water, which is given a silky texture in this way.

The aperture controls the amount of light that hits the sensor and influences the depth of field of the image. This means, for example, how much the main subject stands out from an increasingly blurred background at an open aperture such as f/2.8 - a popular tool in portrait photography. On the other hand, a closed aperture such as f/16 ensures that your subject is as sharp as possible from front to back - ideal for landscape photography.

A low ISO value leads to higher image quality in good lighting conditions, while a high ISO value such as ISO 32,000 is useful in poor lighting conditions in order to be able to take hand-held photos at all, but is inevitably associated with increased image noise.

In addition to the basics of exposure, there are many other aspects of photographic technique that need to be considered, such as the choice of lens (fixed focal length, zoom lens, etc.), image composition (rule of thirds, golden ratio, etc.), focusing (manual or automatic) and white balance settings.

For example, a wide-angle lens with a focal length of 24mm can be used for a stunning landscape shot, while a telephoto lens of 200mm or more may be suitable for nature and sports photography. The rule of thirds mentioned above, on the other hand, is a commonly used composition technique where the image is divided into nine equal parts to place the main subject at one of the intersection points and create visual interest.

The fascination of photographic art

However, photography is not just a technical discipline, but also an art form that offers countless creative possibilities for expression. From black and white photography to experimental abstract photography, there are numerous styles and genres to explore. One example of an iconic work of photographic art is the famous Afghan girl ("The Afghan Girl") by professional photographer Steve McCurry, which captures the beauty and intensity of human expression and has attracted worldwide attention on the cover of National Geographic magazine.

Afghan girl. Photo: Steve McCurry

National Geographic. Photo: Steve McCurry

The use of light and shadow, colors and contrasts can dramatically change the mood of a picture. Mastering techniques such as long exposure photography can create fascinating effects or capture star trails in the night sky. In short, photography allows the artist to express his own view of the world and open up new ways of perception for the viewer. It is always advisable to know the usual techniques and rules - in order to consciously break them if necessary. The results are captivating and unique snapshots that are perfect for presentation behind fine acrylic glass or exposed on sharp ultraHD paper - specialist WhiteWall offers the ideal medium and numerous individual design options for every photograph.

Photojournalism - moments for eternity

Photography also plays an important role in photojournalism, where images tell stories and document reality. Photojournalists are often at the forefront of capturing important events such as political unrest, natural disasters or social movements. A famous example of the power of photojournalism is photographer Nick Ut's image of a naked Vietnamese girl fleeing the effects of a napalm attack during the Vietnam War - an iconic shot that still has its own special power today.

Photo: David Hume Kennerly.

Such images have the power to raise awareness and bring about change. Photojournalism requires not only technical skill, but also ethical sensitivity and the ability to document reality without bias. It is a form of photography that captures the world in its rawness and encourages the viewer to think and reflect on global issues. At the same time, photojournalism is facing new challenges due to the trend towards artificially generated images - what is real, what is fake? Corresponding initiatives such as the Content Authenticity Initiative and associations such as the German Fotorat and the Berufsverband Freie Fotografen und Filmgestalter e.V. (BFF) are working intensively to clearly label AI images and thus strengthen the position of true photojournalism and photography itself. The camera manufacturer Leica has also recognized this problem and embeds a digital certificate in every file in the latest M11-P model, making the authenticity and origin of every single photograph verifiable.

Photography - more than just photographic technology

Whether as a hobby or a profession, photography offers endless opportunities for personal development and creative self-expression. By mastering the technical basics, experimenting with different styles and genres and constantly developing your own photographic eye, anyone can find their own unique voice in the world of photography.

Photography is not just about capturing moments, but also a way of understanding and interpreting the world around us. It allows us to discover beauty, uncover realities and share our personal view of the world with others - accomplished with premium products from WhiteWall.

Conclusion

Photography is a fascinating art with a centuries-old tradition that combines technique and creativity. From the basics of exposure and composition to artistic self-realization and documentary power, photography offers endless possibilities for discovery and expression. The world of photography is waiting for you to explore it. Get ready to see the world with new eyes and capture the infinite beauty and diversity of life.