Understanding Digitally-altered Photography through Photograp ...

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Abstract

Digitally-altered photographs are popular among artists due to advancements in digital technology. Artists who produce digitally-altered photographs not only deliver impressive technological effects, but also, and perhaps more importantly, capitalize on the style’s ability to express their particular messages. To gain a better understanding of these photographers’ digitally-altered photographs, I propose that we investigate the artist’s views of reality by asking, "What is your definition of reality?" and "How do you visualize your reality in your digitally-altered photographs?" This paper cites contemporary photographer Ellen Jantzen’s "Reality" projects as an example. From the analysis of Jantzen’s views of reality and the interpretation of her views through theories, the knowledge Jantzen’s photographs provide to viewers is her expression of mystery in the hidden and unknown universe. This study has implications for how digitally-altered photographs can be studied and taught.