Defining photography depends on which context it is being defined. One can simply define it as the act of taking pictures. Another could go say it’s the science of taking photographs. In the common parlance, this is how most people would define it and hundred percent of the time, people would understand. However, experts would say that photography is more than just taking pictures and that these definitions are insufficient. Going deeper to come up with a sufficient definition of what photography is would lead us to its definition from a technical standpoint.

Photography involves a systematic process to come up with a picture. This process basically makes photography a science. Applying techniques, strategies, style and the like makes it not only a science but as well as an art – and unlike other forms of art, photography provides us with exact images of things that our eyes can perceive except of course for the actual size.

From a more technical perspective, photography is creating photos by capturing the light emitted or reflected by an object and record it into electro image sensors or photographic films depending on what kind of photography. These are technically called “radiation-sensitive mediums”. The light mentioned and being referred to here, actually refers to “radiation” in its truest sense. When a subject is photographed, its image is captured and stored in these mediums (latent image), then developed to produce a visual image such in the case of negatives. Images transferred to another medium to make it more visible to the eye such in the case of real pictures are called prints. This entire process is what photography means from a technical perspective and in the field of science.

Incorporating the photographer’s personal touch, artistry, creativity and imagination to various photography techniques, to convey a message, an emotion or a thought, essentially is what defines photography as an art.

But from a personal viewpoint as a photographer, no matter how others define it, what matters is what it means to you. What is photography for you? If I am to describe what photography is in one word, I’d say it’s an expression!

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Bruce Walter Photography is a Melbourne based business that offers quality work to the corporate, government and private sectors. With over 20 years of experience, our company can provide specialist photographers in your area of need. With past and present clients ranging from Australia Post, Bovis Lend Lease, and Royal Freemasons Homes – we have the diverse experience to cater to your requirements. As a result of our extensive experience, we can plan and implement your specific photographic requirements from conception through to your final product. Please view the about page and client page for more information about our company.