On World Photography Day, we need to reflect on what the practice of photography really is – an art or a science. Well, photography is an art just like science. The science behind the lens is to capture the perfect shot as much as the aesthetics that engrave those shots forever. Visual thinking, as we know it, is a normal way of thinking for many – we may forget the numbers, but we rarely forget the visuals. Photography, in that sense, like any visual art form, enlarges human perception and enables us to feel emotions that move us, allowing us to see our world in a whole new light. Today, as we celebrate World Photography Day, we recognize not only the power of photography, but also its important role in human life. This day is a blessing for photographers and their importance in the evolution of photography that we know today. The day also marks the global appreciation for photography that has become more mainstream for users, brands and ecosystems that have been democratized over the years.
As an art form, photography has evolved over the years, and multiple museums and galleries display the brilliance captured by professional photographers. There is always a story behind these exhibitions or sometimes there is a social reason. And that’s the beauty of photography as a medium – the ability to arouse strong human emotion and then launch a call to action. Unlike fictional images, photography requires the presence of real physical models, objects, or visuals. It expands the human brain’s attention to environmental signals. A photographer is constantly on the lookout for the perfect shot to capture – whether it’s a ‘frank’ or even a planned frank, which is quite the rage in millennia these days. And there’s a lot behind that perfect shot – from the subject to the background color and more.
Talking about the millennium brings me to an important topic that has led to the rapid growth of professional photography – social media. Photograph-sharing platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Tumblr have paved the way for the brand to become an integral part of the universe, not just our lives. Consumers are now more connected to the brand than ever before through digital videos and photographs. This has led many to take up photography as a profession and if not a profession, at least to know the camera equipment to create quality content for their viewers.
Whether it’s the trending #InstaReels or the huge boom of vlogging, the advent of technology and its evolution have made it all possible. With the rise of digital photography enables photographers to evaluate the quality of a photograph immediately after taking it, and with easy photo editing, a perfect photo is almost always the last product.
Professional photography genres like wildlife, fashion and wedding have always been more recognized but in recent times new ways like food photography, luxury photography, maternity photography and travel photography have gained much more popularity. So, when it comes to taking up photography as a profession, there are numerous niches that one can explore based on their interests.
Photography may be a profession for many, but for some, it is a passion – a hobby that comforts them. Like painting or writing, a photographer is an artist and his art is like a breath of fresh air – it brings wisdom and peace of mind not only to the photographer but also to the viewer.
Significantly, photography can tell great stories, even by amateurs. From physical photo albums to digital photo albums, we cherish those memories and revive the moments recorded on paper (or photo sharing platform) through photographs. When we miss a loved one or a certain milestone in our lives on a nostalgic lane trip, we always find comfort in photographs. And we will, even in the future – because as photography develops as an art, it offers something for all of us.
C. Sukumaran is the Director of Consumer Systems Products and Imaging Communication Business at Canon India.
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