The Elements of Photography, 2nd Edition

PREFACE:IT’S ELEMENTAL

ONE FACT THAT IS NOT IN DISPUTE IS THAT THERE IS A…GULF BETWEEN ART AND COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY, BETWEEN PROFESSORS AND PROFESSIONALS. —BILL JAY FROM OCCAM’S RAZOR

I began the first edition with a discussion of the dichotomy existing between commercial and fine art photographic practices. (Although commercial photographers are commonly referred to as “professional photographers,” I avoid the term because both commercial and fine art photographers are professionals in the field.) The response was notably mixed among educators, commercial photographers, fine artists, and students, at times turning into impassioned polarized ...