Photo vs. illustration, and the line that divides them

To be real or not to be real? That is the question.

At what point does an image transition from being a photograph to an illustration? Veteran landscape photographer Ken Duncan believes that it’s time to draw a very distinct line in the sand, for the sake of photo buyers, and the industry.

The time has come to draw a clear distinction between two very different approaches to photography which have dramatically emerged since with the growth of the digital age. I refer to these two different styles to as Photo Realism and Photo Illustration.

With the rapid growth of digital photography and the diversity of post-processing programs now available, artists are able to do whatever they like in presenting their photography. Now that’s fine, as long as consumers are fully informed about what they’re looking at. Both forms of photography are legitimate – both require creativity and skill – but each has a different place in the market, and in the hearts and minds of consumers. Consumers of photography these days are often confused; they are unsure what they are looking at. “Is it real or not?” is the question many viewers are asking. If they’re unsure, they will immediately dismiss an image, claiming it has been achieved in Photoshop. In a state of uncertainty, potential buyers tend to buy nothing, which is bad for all photographers, so we need clarity.

Real world application

Historically, the art of photography has served as a crucial means of documenting places and events for future generations. The judges’ rejection of 1 out of 5 finalists in the latest World Press Photo Awards because of digital manipulation, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of photography as an accurate recorder of history.

Many other photo competitions in the digital era are also trying to grapple with this elephant in the room: What is real? If we don’t deal with this issue, it will stomp our industry. Some photo competitions nowadays could be called the “look what I can do in Photoshop” awards and don’t seem to want to deal with this issue. If their competition strategy is “anything goes” then that’s OK – it’s not an exhibition where artists are hoping to sell their works. At an exhibition, potential buyers need to know what they are looking at or sales will suffer.

I am not against using available technology to produce better images so artists can tell their story better. However, we must draw a clear distinction between the two photographic approaches, to restore consumer confidence. In Photo Realism, the use of digital manipulation should be minimal, to preserve the integrity of our photographic records. An image must be the truest possible interpretation of a moment, while still allowing some artistic interpretation. In Photo Illustration, artists can use one or more photos in the creation of an artwork, with no limitation on post-processing techniques utilised. After all, why let the truth get in the way of a good story!

Basically, it is the philosophical approach to the creation of the artwork that will determine which genre it falls into. Are you trying to show people a real moment in time? Or are you trying to show them a moment you have created? Neither style is better than the other; both have great artistic merit. I can appreciate both styles and I know most photographers can present either style of work, depending on the story they wish to tell.

In Photo Illustration, I love the way photographers produce beautiful artworks using photographic elements and creative post-production skills, and I like to hear the story behind the creation of their image. With Photo Realism I love the fact that the artist has the skill, patience and artistic eye to capture a moment in time and present it for other for others to share. I also like to know the story behind the capture of their images. So I acknowledge that both styles involve great skill and artistic ability.

The REAL Australia Landscape Photo Awards

I believe it’s time to draw a clear line in the sand - to delineate between these different styles. The REAL Australia Landscape Awards will provide a platform for people who want to express their creativity through Photo Realism, presenting images that are ‘believable’ - that give a true interpretation of a scene, with minimal post-processing. These awards should help to define guidelines for the photo art industry moving forward.

Several people have asked how the judges will determine what is a real representation of a scene or moment. The metadata of a file reveals what has been done to it in. Just ask the FBI. Ultimately though, we are relying on the honesty of the photographer.

Some people entering competitions will look for loopholes and try to push the boundaries. Over time, it’s possible that the parameters may change to improve guidelines or the industry. Some very talented international photographers are helping us draw this style distinction, as they all care deeply for our industry.

Some people feel it is hard to draw a line, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done. This competition was launched to throw a stone into the pond in order to create a few ripples and we are achieving that, as many people share their opinions. Out of the debate we will come up with better solutions for the future.

There will always be zealots on both sides of the fence - and many with varying opinions in between. But in the end, we need to achieve clarity for our industry and, even more importantly, for our clients.

A photographer friend asked me, “Was Ansel Adams a photo realist or a photo illustrator?” He is definitely what I would call a “Photo Realist” because he was trying to capture what was there, with the medium he had at his disposal. I have been to many of the places where Ansel Adams took his famous photos and many of the scenes are still there - changed somewhat by time, but still recognisable still. However, some people argue that we don’t see in black and white. The fact that Ansel Adams shot in black and white does not negate the fact that his photos are great representations, for his time, of what was actually there.

Others argue that even in past generations, there were people who manipulated images in dark rooms.” And that’s true. But it wasn’t like it is today, and those who manipulated images in the past were limited in what they could do. Usually, time will unveil the truth about the heritage of an image. Some guys, like Frank Hurley, may have been dabbling occasionally in what we now call Photo Illustration, but he was just before his time. This does not take away from the main body of his work which was absolutely Photo Realism.

There are many arguments that can be made about reality - even the fact that everything we shoot is flattened from an elliptical plane, and not in 3D as we see. But in the end, there has to a genre of photography which is committed to presenting moments in time as accurately as possible for historical accuracy.

Guidelines for Photo Realism in The REAL Australia Landscape Photo Awards

When it comes to fully seeing reality, the only way is to be there. A photograph will always be someone’s interpretation of the scene or a moment in time. But the key to Photo Realism is to capture and present images with the intent of rendering as faithfully as possible a true representation of the scene or moment.

This does not mean you can’t use post processing and artistic interpretation to help deliver your final artwork. It just means you should stay truthful to the subject and keep it believable. Don’t over-process your images; keep it real.

For more information, visit www.realphotoawards.com. Entries close 30 June 2015.