Photography as an Art Language 11
Photography has been called an irresponsive medium. This is much the same as calling it a mechanical process. A great paradox which has been combated is the assumption that because photography is not “hand-work,” as the public say— though we find there is very much “hand work” and head-work in it—therefore it is not an art language. This is a fallacy born of thoughtlessness.
—Peter Henry Emerson
The words above, by photographer Peter Henry Emerson, are from his book Naturalistic Photography for Students of the Art, published in 1890. The book influenced many photographers of the time, including Alfred Stieglitz, who quoted from it in his writings. The book also was, in the words of Emerson, “an attempt ...
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