Edward Steichen: 'Every other artist begins with a blank canvas, a piece of paper the photographer begins with the finished product.'

Every other artist begins with a blank canvas, a piece of paper the photographer begins with the finished product.

Edward Steichen once said, 'Every other artist begins with a blank canvas, a piece of paper; the photographer begins with the finished product.' This thought-provoking quote captures the unique essence of photography and its distinctive position among various art forms. Steichen's words emphasize the instantaneous nature of photography, where the photographer captures a moment that already exists and immortalizes it through their lens. In contrast to painters or writers who start from scratch and gradually build their creation, photographers translate the world around them into a tangible, final form with just a click of a button.Steichen's quote unveils an intriguing paradox in the field of art. The traditional artistic process typically involves an artist contemplating their subject matter, envisioning its representation, and then bringing it to life using their chosen medium. From the first stroke on the canvas or the first word on the page, artists embark on a journey of creation, layering and refining until they reach a point of satisfaction. Every element crafted by their hands or imaginations contributes to the final artwork.Photographers, however, tread a different path in their artistic endeavors. They are ever-vigilant observers, constantly seeking to capture fleeting moments that spontaneously come to life. Whether it be a picturesque landscape, a vibrant cityscape, or a heartfelt expression on someone's face, photographers are forever on the lookout for the perfect shot. Rather than building their artwork from scratch, photographers find beauty in the world around them and use their skills to extract and frame that beauty within the boundaries of their camera's viewfinder.This distinction suggests an alternative way of perceiving photography as an art form. Where other artists build their creations from scratch, photographers are akin to alchemists who transform reality into art. They possess the power to seize and encapsulate ephemeral moments, converting them into lasting records of beauty, emotion, and meaning. In a single click, they conjure the finished product from the infinite possibilities present before them – a testament to the immense power and potential of the medium.As we delve deeper into this concept, a philosophical thread begins to unravel. It prompts us to reflect on the nature of reality and the artist's relationship with it. Are photographers merely capturing what already exists in the world, or do they play a more active role in shaping and interpreting reality through their lens? Could it be argued that every photograph carries hints of the photographer's perspective, emotions, and thoughts, subtly interwoven into the final image?While the act of photography may seem to align more with documentation than artistic creation, it is essential to acknowledge the photographer's role as an interpreter of the world around them. In their endeavor to capture the perfect shot, photographers make countless choices – selecting the subject, framing the scene, adjusting the exposure, or manipulating the light. These decisions, conscious or subconscious, reflect their unique artistic vision and imprint their personal touch onto the final product.In this regard, photography becomes a collaborative effort between the world and the photographer. Reality presents itself with its myriad of possibilities, while the photographer exercises their creativity and artistic sensibilities to highlight specific aspects and bring forth the intended message. It is through this collaboration that the photographer breathes life into the finished product, adding their personal touch to the story the image tells.In conclusion, Edward Steichen's quote brilliantly captures the essence of photography as an art form distinct from others. While traditional artists start with a blank canvas and create, photographers begin with the finished product by capturing fleeting moments that exist in the world. It opens up a philosophical inquiry into the relationship between artist and reality, and the extent to which a photographer's unique perspective and choices shape the final image. Photographers are not mere observers but interpreters, infusing their own creative vision into the world's offerings. By embracing this perspective, we can truly appreciate the depth, complexity, and artistic prowess inherent in the art of photography.