74 The Perception and Views of Photographers on Artistic Photography in Turkey Hakan Yaman Independent Scholar, Konyaaltı-Antalya, Turkey Received: December 13, 2017. Revised: April 23, 2018. Accepted: June 10, 2018 Abstract The purposes of this study are to know generally the perception and view of photographers on artistic photography in a purposeful sample in Turkey. Participants were purposefully selected (purposive sample) from the community of photographers because it would represent diverse photographers in Turkey. The survey included 19 questions and divided into three parts. Findings of our study revealed that most of the participants were at their middle-age, male, married, uni- versity graduates, private sector employed, DSLR users, amateur/ traveling-landscape-portrait photographers, and they shoot their photos to be happy, to document anything, and for spend- ing time (Hobby). They mainly thought that photos should be taken for documentary reasons. The creativity is mainly dependent on perspective (or photographic seeing). Good photography could be achieved with good photographic technique, a good photo is relying on the influence to the spectator, photo critics/reading should be mainly based on technique, the most influential movement is realism, artistic photography will improve, photography in future will improve, and some are participating in photographic projects. The results show that good grounds exist in Turkey to shape artistic photography for the needs of the 21st century. Keywords: Photography; Leisure; Hobby; Art; Turkey How to Cite: Yaman, H. (2018). The Perception and Views of Photographers on Artistic Photography in Turkey. Harmonia: Journal of Arts Research And Education, 18(1), 74-81. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.15294/harmonia.v18i1.14667 Harmonia: Journal of Arts Research and Education 18 (1) (2018), 74-81 Available online at http://journal.unnes.ac.id/nju/index.php/harmonia DOI: 10.15294/harmonia.v18i1.14667 Photography is now very popular. Cameras are easily accessible and if not everybody has a smartphone with an in- built camera. People are documenting every personal moment and share these on every occasion. There are also other people, who spend their free time with photography. They study, work, devote themselves, create, pro- duce, share, document their photographic involvement (Lim, 2017). It is also the case for Turkey. Almost every province in Turkey, with at least one photographic society/club which brings together photographers, orga- nizes contests, photo marathons, publishes periodicals and books. Major universities INTRODUCTION Photography is a scientific subject with a multi-disciplinary orientation. Photo- graphy has also benefitted from innovation and technological development. Not only the way we see photography, but also the invol- vement of people has changed. Nowadays everybody is taking photos, and the disse- mination of these media is globally overw- helming. People are exposed every day to various images, and a search visual literacy seems to be needed more than any time befo- re (Nicholls, 2015). Corresponding author: Uncalı Mh. 1262. Sk. No: 15, Öksüzoğlu Konakları, Antalya-Türkiye E-mail: hakanyam@yahoo.com p-ISSN 2541-1683|e-ISSN 2541-2426 Hakan Yaman, The Perception and Views of Photographers on Artistic Photography ... 75 have departments of photography with state- of-art curricula. The frequency and numbers of acti- vities in Turkey are overwhelming, but do- cumentation on these photographers is mis- sing. Therefore, we were interested to know generally the perception and view of photo- graphers on artistic photography in a purpo- seful sample in Turkey. METHOD Photographers living in different ci- ties were asked to participate in this study in December 2017. Eighty-five photographers agreed and gave verbal consent to participa- te. Participants were purposefully selected (purposive sample) from the community of photographers because it represent diverse photographers in Turkey. The survey included 19 questions and divided into three parts. The first part included questions on demographics and possession of a photo-camera. The second part included questions about experience and membership in photography, and final- ly, the third part asked questions about their thoughts concerning photography. The sur- vey was piloted with six photographers, and the results of the pilot questionnaire were not included in the final dataset. Open-ended questions were analyzed by AY and ZK for content. Answers were classified into common subject headings, which arose from the answers. Subject headings were compared after separate ana- lysis and were compiled afterward to one form. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. The level of significance was set at alpha=0.05. RESULT AND DISCUSSION Result of data analysis Events and festivities covering pho- tography are steadily increasing in Turkey. Photography as an academic discipline is well established as are the diverse photo- graphy societies in Turkey. Information on photographers dealing with their perception and views concerning artistic photography were missing in Turkey and no similar stu- dies were available in the literature. We the- refore retrieved the following results from our study, which we would like to share: Eighty- five photographers participated in this study. Their mean age was 40.3 (SD = 13.31; range = 1-68); 22 (37%) were female and 38 (63%) were male; 32 (39%) were single, 44 (53%) were married, and 7(8%) divorced/ widowed. Seven (8%) graduated from high school, 59 (71%) from university, and 17 (21%) from postgraduate programs (Master/ PhD). Twenty eight (35%) were employed in public sector, 35(43%) in private sector, and 18 (22%) were students. The mean pho- tography experience was 10.8 years (SD = 11.20; range = 1–54). Sixty six (79%) partici- pants defined themselves as an amateur, nine (11%) as a professional, and 8 (10%) neither amateur nor professional photographers. Affiliation to local photography so- cieties was relatively high. Fourteen (17%) stated to be a member of ANFAD (Antalya Photographers and Amateur Cinema Lovers Society, Turkey), 12 (14%) of ANFOK (An- talya Photography Club, Turkey), 14 (17%) of Sille Sanat Sarayı (ILFIAP, Konya, Tur- key), 30 (35%) of other societies/clubs in Turkey. The preference of style of photography of participants is displayed in Table 1. The search for a personal style is like looking for the “holy grail” among photographers. It is a non-ending evolutional process, which is affected by diverse factors. These could be based on the subject chosen, on the techni- que the photographers uses, the methods after shooting (postproduction), or any com- bination of these (Quist, 2017). Or could be related to three points: does the style fit the subject matter the photographer has chosen? Does it fit to the personality of the photo- grapher? Does it enhance the photo? If the changes are appropriate to the subject cho- sen, it fits to your personality, and the sty- led applied dos improve the photo then the photographer is on its right way (Steadman, 2013). But beyond personal issues there are Harmonia: Journal of Arts Research and Education 18 (1) (2018): 74-8176 different styles (genres) defined in literatures. Even a consensus in the definition of these genres are lacking, we can speak of different styles ranging from 32 to 50 (Urby, 2018; Webneel.com, n.d.). In this study 15 diffe- rent styles have been mentioned. Travelling, landscape, and portrait were the most fre- quent ones mentioned. Table 1. The preference of style of photogra- phy Style of Photography n % Portrait 45 53 Traveling 62 73 Landscape 55 65 Street 39 46 Fashion 5 6 Architecture 23 27 Wedding 7 8 Documentary 17 20 Journalism 5 6 Other (i.e. nature, product, indus- trial, light-art etc.) 9 11 Eight (9%) had an Analog Camera, 53(62%) a Digital Camera, 12(14%) a Mir- rorless Digital Camera, 34(40%) Smart Pho- ne Camera, and 1 (1%) a Drone Camera. The reason for taking/shooting pho- tos is shown in Table 2. Different papers and personal impressions are reporting on reasons for taking/shooting photos. Most frequent reasons stated are recording im- portant events and memories (Pryor, 2013; Poster, 2011) . If you enlarge the reasons of taking/shooting photos then we could enlar- ge the reasons to more items (i.e. recording memories, having fun, nurturing the brain, promoting health and fitness, enhancing cre- ativity, reason for travel, networking, join a photographic society, developing personal style etc.) (Hill, 2017). The answers retrie- ved in our study showed similar results. The answer “for happiness” could be accepted as “for fun”. Looking at the profile of the res- pondents of this study, the majority defined themselves as amateurs. Therefore the majo- rity can be expected to shoot photos to be- come happy. Another interesting answer was “assignment”. The reason for this answer were students, who participated in this study and had to deliver photography assignments to the university faculty. Table 2. Reasons for Taking/Shooting Photos Reasons of Taking/Shooting Photos n % Free Time/Hobby 22 26 For happiness 62 73 Assignment 4 5 Earn for existence 10 12 For documentation 36 42 To get famous 1 1 Other (i.e. memoir, express feelings, therapy etc.) 9 11 Replies to open-ended questions are gi- ven below: Question: Why should we take photos? Answer: To register/document the moment (n=35). To display different cultures of seeing (n=3). To relax, to be happy, to enjoy (n=10). Interest, curiosity (n=1). Hobby, spend good time (n=9). To express feelings (n=5). Awareness (n=1). To communicate (n=1). To share (n=1). In addition to the closed-ended questi- on above, which answers are enlisted in Tab- le 2, this findings add some further aspects of taking/shooting photos. Photography enab- les the person to develop and grow themsel- ves by adding value to their lives. Their ex- perience was easily shared in a meaningful ways via photos (Hill, 2017; Quora, 2017; Shulman, 2014). Question: What is determining creativity in photography? Answer: Being able to see feelings in photos (n=3). Perspective (n=17). To deal differently with the subject (n=3). Knowledge on art and aesthetics (n=8). Experience (n=2). Hakan Yaman, The Perception and Views of Photographers on Artistic Photography ... 77 Phantasy, imagination (n=9). Eye of photography (n=5). Processing the photo (n=1). Visual intelligence (n=1). Maturity (n=4). Reflecting the inner world outside (n=2). Creativity is a capability, which could be supported by constantly learning. Practi- ce is mentioned the key for improving cre- ativity in photography. Following successful masters in photographers is another way for improvement. A creative photographer is a lucky person, who successes to shoot good photos of common subjects. The photos are expected to tell a story, which have an im- portant impact on the person. Therefore de- veloping a personal style is a prerequisite for creativity. Having all these skills and condi- tions and some luck (i.e. right time, right pla- ce, etc.) will support creativity and success in photography (Hollenbeck, 2014). Question: How can we shoot a good photo? Answer: Good photo-technique (n=34). Good equipment (n=5). Good observation (n=2). Depends on money, place, and time (n=1). Appropriate training (n=4). Experience (n=4). Phantasy (n=1). Is more subjective (n=5). Based on feelings (n=5). Strong expressions (n=3). The responses of the participants are in congruence with the sources available in the internet (Clarke, 2014; Mansurov, 2018). Question: What is a good photo? Answer: Influencing the spectator/visitor (n=15). Displayed in an aesthetic way (n=5). Substantial meaning (n=11). Substantial artistic meaning (n=1). Substantial perspective (n=1). Best storytelling (n=2). Technically best shoot (n=14). Originality (n=1). Unforgettable, enviable (n=1). A good photo is expected to deli- ver a clear vision, to harmonize with the spectator’s vision and suits the spectator’s tastes (Cox, 2018). Our findings support this statement. Question: What should consider during photo readings/critics? Answer: Photo techniques (n=33). Success in depiction (n=13). Its story (n=1). Artistic perspective (n=3). Content of concept (n=1). Level of endeavor (n=1). Feeling evoked (n=4). Originality (n=1). Appropriate scope (n=1). Guidelines on reading photos expect the understanding the three-dimensional environment (i.e. culture, visual elements, icons, and symbols) of photography. Wor- king out subject matter, form, medium, and context will help to understand the content of a photo (Oosterhoff, 2015). Question: Which photo movements are influencing you at most? Answer: Environmental photography movement (n=3). Photojournalism photography move- ment (n=3). Surrealism photography movement (n=4). Impressionism photography movement (n=3). Documentary photography movement (n=4). Realism photography movement (n=5). Post impressionism photography move- ment (n=1). Naturalistic photography movement (n=2). Symbolism photography movement (n=1). Romanticism photography movement (n=2). This question gives a clue on the kno- wledge of participants on the history of pho- tography and movements. Harmonia: Journal of Arts Research and Education 18 (1) (2018): 74-8178 partially mentioned by the participants of this study. These changes are estimated as the development of stronger sensors, smaller cameras, intelligent cameras, versatile lenses, alternative energy solutions, new formats, smarter software, and closer integration to human body (Zhang, 2017). Artificial In- telligence and constant connectivity will be further enhancements in future photography (Davis, 2017; (Matusek, 2017; (Raza, n.d.) Question: Are you involved in photo- graphic projects? Answer: Travel photography (n=6). Documentary photography (n=2). ExLibris (n=1). Discussion Art is elementary for each society. People especially have an inborn aesthetic sense, which helps to create social meaning and values in a human being. Art helps the community to find itself and its own identity. It enables us to build up self-awareness and forms an understanding to other people. It is a way of personal enrichment and improve- ment (Coles, 2018). But, there are challenges. Everybody thinks, that they are in command of a foreign language, the photography. Billions of people are taking photos and might consider themselves as amateur photographers. Trillions of photos are circu- lating around the globe. The digital revolu- tion made the production of photos easier, but a confusion in photography evolved, due to the mass of photos created. The invention of new ways of photographic education and training is certainly an answer to this confu- sion (Nicholls, 2015). The existence of pho- tographic societies and clubs will certainly help to overcome this challenge. A well-es- tablished network of societies and clubs, like in Turkey, with the support of academia are an important prerequisite for this. The increase of photos should not be a reason for concern. People are like the suf- ferers in Plato’s cave, who just see the ideas falling on the wall. Only their personal evolu- tion will hopefully enable them to see the real image. And, this search might be enabled by Question: At what degree do you see ar- tistic photography? Answer: It is a highest level (n=7). Artistic photography will improve (n=13). It is not at expected level (n=10). It is an art, like painting (n=2). Its technique end aesthetics is improving (n=1). Is declining (n=5). It is not an independent art (n=1). Now everybody is a photographer (n=5). Everybody has a smart-phone camera (n=5). Arrogance, egoism, money (n=1). It is real and is documentation (n=1). The perfect photo is unreachable (n=1). It is an art, which is decaying in the vir- tual prison (n=1). Different definitions of artistic pho- tography are available. “Art photography” is photography, which is done as a fine art. Whereas “Artistic photography” is more the aim to convey a personal impression on the photographic work ( Fine-art photography, 2018). The respondents have a more positive view concerning the improvement of artistic photography. Question: how do you perceive the futu- re of photography? Answer: It will improve (n=11). It has a good future (n=5). As long as life endures, photography will persist (n=2). Video will replace photography (n=3). Cameras will improve technically (n=5). Everybody will get involved with photo- graphy (n=3). Documentary photography will increase (n=1). It will detach from reality (n=1). Individualism will increase (n=1). It will improve as a separate art (n=1). Photography as a way of art will develop (n=1). With increasing technology, it will lose its artistic orientation (n=1). Looking at futuristic assumptions im- portant changes will occur, which are also Hakan Yaman, The Perception and Views of Photographers on Artistic Photography ... 79 practice, thoughts, and taking plenty of pho- tography (Sontag, 1977; 2017). There have been made different con- sideration on photography. Trying to un- derstand this phenomenon, classifications have been made. These were external and were empirical (Professionals/ Amateurs), rhetorical (Landscapes/Objects/Portraits/ Nudes), or aesthetic (Realism/Pictorialism); but some mean these classifications are not touching its essence and that photography cannot be classified (Barthes, 2003). Beside these concerns we had to classi- fy our participants and found that most were at their middle-age, male, married, university graduates, private sector employed, DSLR users, amateur/ traveling-landscape-portrait photographers, and they shoot their photos to be happy, to document anything, and for spending time (Hobby). Photography was used as evidence since its early invention. Therefore, the belief that photos are identical to the objects they are photographed, still persists. And people like in our study pretend to say that they shoot photos to register or document anything they have chosen. But looking closer we could differentiate the non-interfering observer from the artist, which is in analogy with seeing and photographic seeing (Sontag, 1977; 2017). This way of seeing will certainly enhance creativity with the support of imagination and knowledge of arts and aesthetics (Huang, 2011). The term aesthetic is in simple words, the appearance of an object that is pleasing the eye. In photography, different kinds of rules are setting the standard. The judgment of the photo depends on other criteria, too. But the difference between a trained and a lay eye concerning the perception of art might be enormous. The judgment of a trained ar- tist on the beauty of an object depends on technique in photography. The ability of understanding aesthetics and ingenuity in photography can be trained and learned (Ja- cobitz, 2017). As mentioned by participants good and/or aesthetic photographs could be achieved mainly by good technique, good equipment and creativity. The visualization and conceptualiza- tion of an idea before taking a photo, the imitation of reality, good preparation and post-production, composition (leading lines, golden ratio etc.) might lead to a good photo (Jacobitz, 2017). Painters since ages were looking for a visual truth and created different movements during their enduring search in art. And pho- tography followed this path as well (de Wol- fe, 2018), even the belief of photography as a mechanical record did not fade away. Fox Talbot published the first book illustrated the photographic book, which ne named “The Pencil of Nature”. This was a visionary cho- ice, because the camera remained always the pencil of nature (Prodger, 2012). Today the artistic core of photography is accepted as the capture of the deliberate moment of reality. The ability of the artistic photographer to capture a moment of reality and the transformation of it into an aesthe- tic/viewable image is accepted as an artistic process (Encyclopedia of Art, 2018). CONCLUSION Findings of our study revealed that most of the participants were at their middle- age, male, married, university graduates, pri- vate sector employed, DSLR users, amateur/ traveling-landscape-portrait photographers, and they shoot their photos to be happy, to document anything, and for spending time (Hobby). 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