Is Photography an Art form?

I have taken part in several debates about whether photography is an art form or simply a craft. It is difficult to answer that question before we have agreed on what we mean by art.

I am sure there are many ways to define it. For me, art is something that makes our lives richer. It creates thought and emotion, and it should move either the creator, the viewer or, ideally, both. The importance of art varies from person to person. For some, it is central to the way they experience the world; for others, it is less important.

My own definition is simple: art is something that makes us more thoughtful and more complete as human beings.

I would argue that some photography is an art form, while other photography is primarily the result of craft.

• Wedding photography: Can a photograph made by a commercial wedding photographer be art? Absolutely. If the image captures something that moves the photographer or the viewer, creates an emotional response or invites reflection, then it can be art. The fact that it was made for a client does not disqualify it.
• The hobbyist: Photography can be a deeply creative pursuit. The hobbyist learns to interpret reality through the camera rather than simply record it. Owning an expensive camera may be a lifestyle choice, but equipment alone has little to do with art. The shift happens when the photographer starts thinking about how to change the viewer’s perception of a scene, or how to express something beyond the literal subject.
• The professional: A technically perfect portrait can be an excellent piece of craft. It may deliver exactly what the client needs, but technical perfection alone does not make it art. Many professional photographers also have personal projects in which they explore a more individual and expressive way of working.

You might argue that art is subjective and means something different to every person. I agree that personal interpretation matters, but simply declaring your own work to be art does not settle the question. The image still has to communicate something beyond the fact that it was made.

That is my view, at least. I would genuinely like to hear yours. Is photography an art form, a craft, or can it be both? Add your thoughts in the comments so that we can have the discussion openly.