Press Photography vs. Art Photography

The main difference between press photography and art photography is obvious. Though there are similarities with regards to the hardwares and equipments (i.e. cameras, scopes) that both press photographers and art photographers use, but the kind of presentation and purpose are different. Press photography focuses on spontaneity rather than techniques. All the elements are intact taken from a real life situation without being changed or manipulated by a photo editing software (see Fig. 1.0). The photographer has to immerse him/herself in the event while considering all the possibilities that could be encountered.

(Fig. 1.0) Palestinian Territories by Mohammed Abed

While press photography is immediate and unplanned, art photography on the other hand is all about setting up a stage for the person to play and act according to his/her role. An art photographer can achieve an ideal photograph through rehearsals and retakes, and using photo editing software to make the colours look more vibrant (see Fig 2.0). The photographer can also erase some unwanted elements and textures if it pleases him/her.

(Fig. 2.0) Russian Woman by Ekaterina Pokrovskaya

Both press photographs and artistic photographs can always stir the emotions of people looking at it. But it boils down to which one delivers the truth and which one is plainly for entertainment or aesthetic purposes. I doubt that the woman by the beach is actually lonely or not, just waiting for someone to accompany her. The purpose of art photography is to captivate our eyes, nothing more, nothing less.










Some art photographs can be funny, disturbing, or saddening like this picture (see Fig. 2.1).

By Victor J. Palagano III

And again, art photographs are edited by a computer software. As you can see the wall behind this man is glowing, making it more dramatic and more neat-looking. Altering art photography is ethical and acceptable because its whole purpose is to present beauty and the artist's skill in manipulating and enhancing the photographs.

Altering press photographs can be unacceptable and unethical. The photographer must provide pictures with accurate details without displacing all the important elements needed for the public to know the truth. Dishonesty, deception, biased and unfair conduct are terms usually used to press photos that are altered in journalism and that is why this should be avoided.












Ethical practices in art photography is different in press photography. Press photographs that are meant to be viewed by the public should be less provocative. Art photographs on the other hand are sometimes made available only for adults. Certain viewer discretions are imposed in art photography especially when it contains nudity and extreme violence all for the sake of art. But nothing could possibly get ourselves intrigued than having real people in real situations doing real actions as done in press photography (see Fig 1.1). In press photography, the real world is the canvas where a photographer has only one shot to capture those random yet great moments.

Guinea Bissau by Marco Vernaschi