What Makes A Photograph Art.?

Someone told me recently that he had lost interest in photography now that anyone could "make" a good picture rather than taking a good photograph. Even though I am one of those who appreciates the fact that I can now take some of my less than stellar "snaps" and by cropping and other filter options that are available on most photo softwares, can create good from poor. I disagree, however, on whether or not this diminishes the work of the photographer who sees objects in ways that others do not, who is able to draw the viewer into the photograph by use of shadow, lines, angles, etc. The great photographer shows us what he sees but also leaves us thinking about the subject matter, lets our imagination fill in the "blanks" that are suggested by the way the photo is presented to us. When you see a subject looking out of a window, for example, while we can admire the light and shadow and how it sets a mood, it still leaves us with questions. What is the subject looking at?

I enjoy taking my old, "throw away" photos and by scanning and using programs like Photofilter can salvage part of the picture or even the photo as a whole by using various "artist" tools to manipulate the image. This does not make me in anyway like the many wonderful photographers that start with an image better than my final product and then, perhaps, use these softwares to merely enhance the image not create it.

Moving in the Right Direction: High Speed Rail in Wisconsin

High Speed Rail

http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2010/nov/30/scott-walker/governor-elect-scott-walker-says-milwaukee-madison/

Our Governor-Elect had said during his campaign that he would kill this project and use the grant money for other needs within the state. He failed to understand that without the project, the money would not be there but would go to another state that was willing to implement the high speed rail project. He, also, failed to understand that the Spanish company that as a result of the project had targeted Milwaukee as the site of their plant to build trains and would create jobs for Wisconsin. Now that company is looking for another state. We need to let Mr Walker know that we have looked behind the curtain and have seen the problems with his plans. Speak out!

Meetings will run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.:
Tue, Nov. 30 in La Crosse at the Best Western Riverfront Hotel, 1835 Rose St.
Wed, Dec. 1 in Eau Claire at the Best Western Trail Lodge Hotel, 3340 Monovi Rd,
Thur, Dec. 2 in Fond du Lac at UW-Fond du Lac
Tue, Dec. 7 in Madison at the WisDOT SW Region Office, 2101 Wright St