My friend Michael Thornton asked about the difference in A Picture or a Photograph... and I thought enough about the question to add my two cents worth.
The difference between a picture, or snapshot, and a photograph lies purely in the intent of the creator. If the image is intended as a mere thumbnail of reality that captures a moment in time that documents the location in its chronological state, then it is a picture.
If the photographer endeavors to create interest beyond the obvious by provoking thought or stimulating passion, then it is a photograph. Imagery is a powerful form of communication, and the key is producing a statement that sends the intended message.
It’s not as easy as it sounds. Visual cognition is subjective, and unlike the spoken word, relies on the viewer’s comprehension and interpretation of form, color, contrast and subject matter.
There is something of a knack to effectively achieving the best results over the broadest range of the intended audience. And while it’s not just a hit or miss operation, experience does tend to dictate what works and what doesn’t.
Photography is more of an art than a science. It is seeing what others might miss, or capturing the underlying essence of what lies before you.
And that’s a powerful tool in the arsenal of communication!
All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. North Georgia Photos.
Richard, thanks for posting.
Richard, well said my friend and you are totally correct...
Richard:
Most of us cannot "see" what the great photographers see before they even think of snapping the shutter. And, yes there is a great deal of skill involved with being able to do just that.
What are those pictures? I am fascinated!! I'm afraid that I need a better camera to take photos like those, or else I need to really read the instruction manual and find something that I wasn't aware of yet. Those are great - and what a fabulous concept that we all take for granted, but need to think more about. More thought as we take photos........
Richard, how true this is. I know that capturing that perfect photograph takes skill, talent and time, lots and lots of time. I love that first shot, it does it for me! And that is also the beauty of photography as an art, different photographs speak to different people!
Kathy...
You are welcome. THX
Michael...
Thanks for the inspiration. I have been thinking about this since all of the copyright stuff has resurfaced again.
Claudette...
But the technical tools are available and affordable, and one can learn HOW to take a picture, but as you stated so well, you still must "have the eye" to get great photographs. Thanks so much.
I saw your comment earlier on Michael's post and was wondering where you would go. As one who takes mostly just pictures I wholeheartedly agree and admire those who take photographs!
Now all I have to do is stay focused and in my right mind.
Oh... I so agree! Photographs transcend words on a post and many times, I get a "feel" for the photographer's personality, as well.
Richard, great explanation, never thought about it that way, but I do believe you are on to something...have a great Memorial Day weekend
Richard, I don't begin to come close to matching your skills behind the lens, but I take pictures of listings and photographs of the nature around me. Your thought are insightful as always.
So now I know to always call your work photographs. Very good explanation.
Richard: I've often wondered the difference between these two myself. Now I know. And more importantly, I know I am a picture taker.
A photo can be a work of art (a picture?) only if the person behind the image has both intent AND skill.
You always have both going of you.
Great post (as always)... What I love about photography is peering into the picture to get the intent of the taker and how that affects me emotionally. Why just there? Why that angle, that shadow, that time of day?
Photography is a powerful communication tool. I love video, but the choices of subject, light, intent, and point of view are so much more focused. As one who loves photography, I never cease to enjoy the surprises that show up.
Hi Richard, This post is excellent and one that clearly defines both your intent and your passion. Well done!
Hi Richard,
Thank you for an excellent post...photography is clearly a very powerful communication tool. Your explanation is easily understood..always love your photos!! Have a great Memorial Day week-end.
Richard,
OK, I can run with this definition. Never really gave it much thought why some pictures do evoke more emotion than others.
Rich
A photographer is surely an artist. I grew up around two photographers and an artist and appreciate all of their work.
Richard you are truely gifted....
You said it all.... I got my trusty camera...and I am thinking I need a better one for some really great artistic pictures!
Coming to you from Texas...
Excellent explanation, Richard. And I agree whole heartedly!
Well stated. I try to use both for my listings but am not sure I succeed at either...................chris
It may be intent....but I'm afraid it's also about talent and skill.....all the intent in the world doesn't make my pictures anything other than snapshots. :)
I need to think about this some more as I guess there is intent in every action we take.
I see so many great photographs. I take a lot pictures. There is definitely a difference.
Richard,
Good post. What I like about photography and creating imagery is the blend of scientific and creative. It gets both sides of my brain working in combination to bring to life exactly what I see in my mind's eye.
Good post and very true. There is a parallel and my motto, "Turning Houses into Homes."
Hmm. Thanks for the definition. I've always wondered. However, I think my own definition is a bit more expansive. But that's irrelevent. I agree about it being more art than science. So many things are that way. I personally don't have the equipment to take a true "photo", but it doesn't stop me from trying. I guess that's why I take about 15 (or more) shots of so many things, while moving just a fraction of an inch sometimes. Some achieve easily, and some of us just keep trying! =)
I'm glad I came across this post, especially since I missed my photography class last week at the FMLS office; however, I doubt this was covered in the training!
There is certainly a distinction, and you have figured out how to verbalize it -- THANKS!