I just finished reading a provocative book by John Berger and Jean Mohr entitled "Another Way of Telling." Through several essays and several hundred photographs (mostly by Jean, augments by other photographers including Andre Kertesz), the author (John) and photographer (Jean) discuss photography as "fact" and limitations and ambiguities of photos. A very philosophical read so say the least. The section that caught my eye the most deals with photography as art. Paul Strand thought of himself as an artist. Bruce Davidson thought his photos do no "pose as art." John Berger himself states that he does not consider photography as art, but rather "quote from appearances."
Personally, I do view photography as an art form and that I am an artist. Now, does that mean that all 100 million photos taken in the average day are all art? Well, no. But when taken purposely, using one's vision, coupled with technical skills learned over time, a photograph becomes more than a snapshot, but becomes a creation of the photographer, the artist. The most powerful photographs, be it of a landscape or a person, convey emotion. This can be the f64 stillness of Yosemite or the blur of a peasant girl running beside a train in Indonesia hoping for something to change in her life (see Jean's photograph of pages 73-74 of the book this photo that will stick in my mind for a long time). The photographer conveys the emotion - conservation, concern for others, happiness, solitude, joy, sadness, love, hate, peace. And if that's not art, well ...
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