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Is That an Artistic Photograph? Or Just a Lousy Shot?
You could ask the photographer, or just decide yourself
It should go without saying — but I’ll say it anyway — sometimes photography can get rather “artsy”.
In other words, not every photograph needs to be perfectly exposed and tack sharp.
I know what you’re thinking — “Yeah, no kidding — artistic photography isn’t exactly a new concept there, genius.”
And you’d be correct. (Though I could do without the attitude.)
What I want to talk about is differentiating between an artistic photo and a bad shot. How can you tell which it is?
Two ways — you could ask the photographer, or you could just decide for yourself.
There are Always Two Answers
The image above of a merry-go-round (or “carousel” or “roundabout”, depending on where you’re from) is not “sharp”.
Obviously. At least not all of it.
Did I screw up and not use a shutter speed that’s fast enough? Or did I do it on purpose? Can you tell?
In other words, is this an artistic image? Or just a photographic mistake?