24 September 2007

limited only by photographers

ON PHOTOGRAPHY - The truth is that photography is limited only by photographers!

“To the vast majority of people a photograph is an image of something within their direct experience: a more-or-less factual reality. It is difficult for them to realize that the photograph can be the source of experience, as well as the reflection of spiritual awareness of the world and of self. The painters have done little to dispel the impression of their superiority in the creative graphic fields; they point with scorn (and often correctly) to the shallow “storytelling” aspects of photography, and they also disapprove of photographers who attempt superficial “abstract” or “non-objective” effects within the limits of the photographic processes. To a large majority a photograph bears the same relationship to a fine painting as a contractor-designed house does to a fine architectural creation. This situation would be ridiculous were it not so tragic. The truth is that photography is limited only by photographers!”
(Ansel Adams, “The profession of photography, Aperture vol. 1, no. 3, 1952)

- provided by Jan Buse.

Smog