When Is a Photograph Considered 'Finished'? The Legacy from Film to Digital | Focus #502
Cover photo by Aya
It is often thought that photography is complete the moment the shutter is pressed, but is that truly the end? In modern times, processes such as editing, printing, and preservation have become integral steps after the shutter click.
Especially in the digital age, the concept of a photograph being 'finished' is no longer a technical endpoint but a fluid idea that changes depending on the creator's intent and circumstances.
This article delves into the diverse perspectives on what constitutes a finished photograph, from analog to digital.
The Philosophy of 'Completion' in Film Photography
In analog photography, pressing the shutter is merely the starting point. The negative is a latent image, and it only becomes a visual work through the processes of developing and printing.
Photographer Ansel Adams famously said, 'The negative is the score, and the print is the performance.' In film photography, the culture of considering a photograph complete only when it takes physical form is deeply rooted.
The Endless Journey of Editing in Digital Photography
In the digital era, while the convenience of immediately reviewing images after shooting is a given, especially when shooting in RAW format, developing and editing are essential steps. This editing process can be revisited endlessly, making the concept of 'completion' more akin to a matter of 'choice.'
It is up to the creator to decide where to stop, reflecting their own sensibilities and intentions.
Preserving Photographs for the Future
Preservation is another crucial aspect of a photograph's completion. While refrigerated film can reportedly last up to 1,000 years, digital data can also be preserved long-term by scanning at high resolution and storing in uncompressed formats.
In any case, for photographs to reach the eyes of future generations, they must be properly managed, either as physical objects or as data.
Completion is not the end of expression but the beginning of its legacy.
