Northeastern Illinois University Documentary Photography and Pictorialism Discussion – Description
This week we explore what could be seen as opposing ways photography was used: documentary photography and pictorialism. Pictorialism, is best described as a photographic approach focused on the beauty of subject matter and the perfection of composition rather than the documentation of the world as it is. Their focus was the artistic value of photography over documentation of realty. Quite different from the approach of documentary photographers. Part 1: This week we explore early documentary photography. What are your thoughts on truthfulness and documentary and photojournalist photography at this time? How is photography a documentation of reality? Is it? (We will revisit documentary photography in week 5.) Select a photographer and image to use as an example in your response.Part 2: Pictorialism is an approach to photography that emphasizes beauty of subject matter, tonality, and composition rather than the documentation of reality. Keeping this in mind, What makes an image pictorialism? How Did Pictorialism shape photography and photographers / the history of photography as an art form? Select an image that exemplifies Pictorialism and discuss what makes it so. Also, address the photographer of the image and include some background and how they Select an image (and photographer if possible) for both parts of this topic that your classmates have not already chosen.
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