Describe Art and Photography within the Creative Media sector

Unit 8 -1.1 - Describe Art and Photography within the Creative Media sector

The use of art and photography in the creative media industry has grown significantly over the past twenty years, this is mostly down to magazines and the internet particular the use of fashion photography in magazines and other online publications, such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Vanity Fair these are the most widely circulated fashion publications.

Art has also been a massive selling factor in the creative media industry also, with money being made from exhibitions, collectors and also print and online publications.

Photography and Art have a massive impact on the creative media industry; one especially being that without both these media formats, and others such as websites and print based media would be very plain. And I feel that plain media publications wouldn’t help to coax the target audience into purchasing it, as it wouldn't have that originality that sets it apart from other magazines and other online sites. A photograph or piece of art on the front cover of a magazine is something that can put them ahead of their competition in the market where the public have all so many choices.

Both media formats also have a massive impact on film and television with many seeing film and TV as an artistic outlet that wouldn’t be on the scale it is today without art and photography. Both haven’t always gone hand in hand with one another as in the 1880s many saw fashion photography as an ‘impure application of the art form’ however despite this criticism, fashion photography has grown into one of the most recognisable, provocative art forms of all time.

Here are two examples of very strong visual photographs, however they are both seen very highly in the artistic world due to there nature and what they are trying to ‘say’. Both are very different and provoke a different response – but provoking a response definitely makes an interesting photograph.

The thing I personally love about the Art
& Photography industry is the fact people
can view an image or piece of art, and then
Interpret it however they like. This could
Depend on the viewer’s mood, how they’ve been brought up,
and also there Social Backgrounds etc.

David Lachapelle – One of my favourite photographs by Lachapelle. I find the image so bizarre, but at the same time it’s strangely fun and exciting to look at. Many argue that if you can view a photo for five seconds then it’s photograph worthy otherwise it’s viewed in a much weaker way.

Nan Goldin – A very controversial documentary photograph, targeted more at a photography exhibition audience rather than magazine audience. This is down to the nature of the photograph, as I’m sure most the audience would pick up on the fact this relates to the possibility of a domestic abuse victim.

Nan Goldin – Another similar photograph that highlights the abuse within some relationships, this lady is sporting a bruised thigh in the shape of a heart. This portrays the upsetting message of abuse and people who find themselves trapped in a relationship.



Both are also used very widely in journalism, as this is a key part in reporting on news and getting the information out there to the public.
If it wasn’t for photographs within the media, quite a huge chunk of the population wouldn’t be as in touch with the news, as 14% of Americans can’t read!

Photojournalism can also have a way of getting a stronger message across to the public. One iconic image that does so was taken during the Vietnam War and highlighted the plight of these people. This image provoked such outrage, that it caused numerous demonstrations and anti war rallies.

In conclusion I can see both art and photography growing together and continuing there connecting ties. One thing that does cause uncertainty within art and photography is the rate the industry is going where else can their work and views be broadcast?