Reaction Paper 3

What's the definition of a photo? Isn't that like asking what art is or isn't? In my opinion everything someone creates has a niche somewhere. I personally may not think that photo shopped pictures fulfill the definition of photography. But that is just me. My own idea of photography is to take a picture as you see it, maybe you adjust the light or setting on your camera. Maybe you use a bigger lens or a different angle. To me, you should not adjust the colors to some unnatural color. But that is just me, my opinion. In the same breath, I think black and white photos splashed with color-- are awesome! I have seen some really interesting and creative stuff come from combined photos and created backgrounds. It all depends on what the goal of the photo is. What it is going to be used for. If I were going to be organizing a photo contest, I think I would have defined the categories and set up the criteria to enter your photos, in the beginning. That way there would not be a discrepancy over what is a photo and what isn't. You do have to admit that photo shopping a photo is not the easiest task out there. It is time consuming. So isn't there some value for that too? It shows someone else's creativeness. Art or photo or painting or pottery or metal working-- whatever your outlet, should all be appreciated for what it is. In the case of this photo contest, I think the folly is not in the photos that were submitted, but in the lack or organization. To me, I can appreciate any art as long as I know the context.