Photography As a Form of Art

[Gina Lai]

Photography is different than just taking pictures.  Any person
can grab a camera and take a picture, but it takes a photographer with
the right equipment and the right elements to capture an image that
will always be remembered.  Photography is an art form that can
evoke emotions and thoughts as loudly as a painter's or a writers'.
People can name many famous artists, but there are few photographer's
whose art is recognized beyond the scope of their community of fellow
photographers.  Some people will recognize the images but not
know who took the photograph.  One photographer that people
recognize is Ansel Adams.  His photographs of Yosemite and other
natural wonders are regarded as wonderful and amazing.  His eye
for catching the beauty of nature, as well as its majesty, made him an
artist.
Another photographic artist known to children and some adults is
Walter Wick.  He creates images that are intermingled with fun
and illusions.  He uses everyday objects to challenge the
imagination and mind.  In some images, he captures the beauty and
simplicity of science, and in others, he creates worlds that are fun
and imaginative, in which he then hides objects for people to
find.  The detail and intensity of his work has made for fun and
entertainment for people of all ages.
Photography takes a look at the world around a person and opens his or
her eyes to new views.  It captures the essence of people and
places, and does so with an eye that is true to what is there. 
As with any form of art, it has the power to change a person's
perspective, or at least make him or her think.