As a medium, photography has always struggled to be considered as a fine art, as many still consider it to be a reproductive medium, sans a creative element; a true copy, as it were. Also, the role of the photographer as an artist is not yet clear to many, who assume that the photographer is simply a technician who operates his equipment and, in that way, produces a lifeless reproduction of a real scene onto a permanent photograph; the only skill involved being the capacity to get the camera to the right place at the right time. Few would realise that the images, which seem as replicas of reality, are usually manipulated substantially in both camera work and photo processing, either in the darkroom or digitally.
In view of all this, one may argue that, with all these technical aspects present, can a photograph still be construed as a work of art? Edward Weston, one of the most influential photographers ever, claimed that photography as a creative expression must be seeing, plus seeing alone would mean factual recording. The "plus" is the basis of all arguments on what constitutes art. Seeing the object is easy, but seeing it in a specific way is the work of artistry. For a photograph to be considered as artistic, it is essential for the technical and artistic aspects to merge seamlessly, for if one or these two parts dominates the other, the result is either a technically excellent photograph without much artistic value, or a very artistic photograph that lacks technique. Although both situations happen regularly, the first of these two scenarios is by far the most common. That is, there are many more technically perfect photographs lacking artistic content, message or vision.
The Malta Institute of Professional Photography (MIPP) tries to answer the above question with To Light And Inspire, a collection of photographs published in occasion of the 10th anniversary since the founding of the institute. The MIPP was set up with the specific aim to elevate both the standard and the recognition of the local photographic community and through hard work and dedication, a great deal has been achieved since its inception. Apart from serving as a memento of the achievements and diligence of the members, this commemorative publication also serves to showcase Maltese talent.
To Light And Inspire is published according to high production values: hardbound, with clear and crisp photographs. It is divided into a number of categories which, although by no means exhaustive, manage to give a good indication of what Maltese photography can offer in each genre. In fact, the publication includes commercial photography, creative digital photography, location photography, portraits, pictorial photography, reportage photography, still life photography, as well as wedding photography.
There are some very interesting and, I dare say, outstanding photographs in this collection. Of course, one will still find a few photos in which the artistic content unfortunately does not always match up with the technical aspects of the image. Nevertheless, all the 23 photographers whose works are published in this collection have some very valid contributions. Commenting on each and every photograph is beyond the scope of this review; that is something that I will leave to all those who wish to have a glimpse of what local talent can offer. After all, to borrow from the great Ansel Adams, a true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words; it has to be seen.
This collection confirms that the future of photography in Malta is indeed a promising one. Apart from serving as a showcase for all the photographers involved, To Light And Inspire will also, and perhaps more importantly, serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to the up and coming generation of photographers, as well as to the more established ones.
• Mr Mallia is a science graduate, currently reading for Doctor of Medicine & Surgery at the University of Malta. Although he has been taught that laughter is the best medicine, he still thinks that a good book is a much better drug.
• A review copy of this title was supplied by the Malta Institute of Professional Photography.
In view of all this, one may argue that, with all these technical aspects present, can a photograph still be construed as a work of art? Edward Weston, one of the most influential photographers ever, claimed that photography as a creative expression must be seeing, plus seeing alone would mean factual recording. The "plus" is the basis of all arguments on what constitutes art. Seeing the object is easy, but seeing it in a specific way is the work of artistry. For a photograph to be considered as artistic, it is essential for the technical and artistic aspects to merge seamlessly, for if one or these two parts dominates the other, the result is either a technically excellent photograph without much artistic value, or a very artistic photograph that lacks technique. Although both situations happen regularly, the first of these two scenarios is by far the most common. That is, there are many more technically perfect photographs lacking artistic content, message or vision.
The Malta Institute of Professional Photography (MIPP) tries to answer the above question with To Light And Inspire, a collection of photographs published in occasion of the 10th anniversary since the founding of the institute. The MIPP was set up with the specific aim to elevate both the standard and the recognition of the local photographic community and through hard work and dedication, a great deal has been achieved since its inception. Apart from serving as a memento of the achievements and diligence of the members, this commemorative publication also serves to showcase Maltese talent.
To Light And Inspire is published according to high production values: hardbound, with clear and crisp photographs. It is divided into a number of categories which, although by no means exhaustive, manage to give a good indication of what Maltese photography can offer in each genre. In fact, the publication includes commercial photography, creative digital photography, location photography, portraits, pictorial photography, reportage photography, still life photography, as well as wedding photography.
There are some very interesting and, I dare say, outstanding photographs in this collection. Of course, one will still find a few photos in which the artistic content unfortunately does not always match up with the technical aspects of the image. Nevertheless, all the 23 photographers whose works are published in this collection have some very valid contributions. Commenting on each and every photograph is beyond the scope of this review; that is something that I will leave to all those who wish to have a glimpse of what local talent can offer. After all, to borrow from the great Ansel Adams, a true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words; it has to be seen.
This collection confirms that the future of photography in Malta is indeed a promising one. Apart from serving as a showcase for all the photographers involved, To Light And Inspire will also, and perhaps more importantly, serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to the up and coming generation of photographers, as well as to the more established ones.
• Mr Mallia is a science graduate, currently reading for Doctor of Medicine & Surgery at the University of Malta. Although he has been taught that laughter is the best medicine, he still thinks that a good book is a much better drug.
• A review copy of this title was supplied by the Malta Institute of Professional Photography.