''Flight Of The Frisbe''

A Science Fiction Illustration made from two photos and a 3D modeled

object.

This type of image presents me with a major problem...

Although no-one could argue that it isn't a fine piece of visual art, the question I would ask is: Is it really a photograph in the true sense of the word?

Although photographs can be digitally manipulated, God knows I do it to mine, the original image is still something that the photographer saw and decided to capture.

Now, Dave, unless you went into space to take this picture, I don't think you saw this and decided to capture it - did you?

I can't take it away from you though - as a piece of art, it's extremely striking.

The elements, except for `the Frisbe' are photos. However that does not truly address the question.

I, as a personal philosophy, consider ALL images as the interpretation of the vision of their creator. When I use a `tool' to create an image, whether that tool is a camera, a computer, a paintbrush, a pallet-knife or a chisel my intent is the same... to create a work of art that represents my vision.

When I take a photo, whether film or digital, the resulting is filtered by the optics, the recording medium and my choices of creative design. This modification of reality enters into EVERY creative process. No photograph is an exact replica of what your eyes saw, or more to the point, what actually existed in that moment of time. Perceived reality is always altered by the observer. This is a fundamental law of nature.

In conclusion, I create images that I feel best represent my vision. I also, as most artists have done through history, embrace new materials and methods. This keeps the fun and challenge of creating new and exciting art alive. The tools and materials do not create art. The person, using those tools and materials, creates art.

I think you explained everything very well there, Dave.

I'm still worried, however, (and I must stress that this is purely my opinion), that this image - great as it is - is not what I, personally, would class as "photography" in the purest sense of the word.

Don't get me wrong though - I like it as visual art. I would not have commented on it otherwise. It's a creative masterpiece.