magazine
2025.07.25

The Paradox of "Photographic Reality" Not Guaranteeing "Realness" | Knowledge #305

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Cover photo by Tenzen Hiraoka

The equation "photography = truth" may already belong to the past. With AI enhancements on smartphones and editing apps becoming the norm, the gap between photographic reality and actual reality is widening.

This time, we delve into the contradictions hidden in modern photographic expression and explore the creative possibilities that arise from them.

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Photo by 雪杜エリ|Eri Yukimori

Reality Through Filters Surpassing Reality

In the age of social media where "aesthetic appeal" takes precedence, photography is shifting its role from documentation to performance. Composition, color tones, and editing all become tools to create a "reality beyond reality," constructing a world distinct from the original scenery or atmosphere.

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Photo by urapon / Ryoga Urata

And yet, we still perceive "reality" within it.

The Techniques and Aesthetics of Creating "Truthfulness"

In modern photographic expression, the key lies in the techniques and aesthetics of making something appear "realistic." From the way shadows fall, the texture of blur, to the direction of light, countless elements contribute to crafting "authenticity."

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Photo by Takezo

By consciously manipulating these elements, it becomes possible to express the subject's inner world and story.

Photography Asking "The World You Want to See"

Photography is not just a medium for recording the visible world but also for questioning "how we want to see." Whether using a smartphone or a camera, intentional shooting reveals what draws us in and the perspectives we hold.

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Photo by MATCHA

By rethinking the meaning of capturing reality, a more creative photographic experience can unfold.

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