The Line Between Creativity and Pretense

The incident of “snake photos being staged for taking” in the recent “Wild Nature Dance” contest was a moment of contemplation. The organizers were forced to withdraw one of the first prizes just a few days after the announcement because the work was found to have seriously violated the contest’s principles and regulations (only nature photos are allowed, no intervention, arrangement, or staging). The incident once again raised a warning to the photography community: in the age of technology, where is the line between creativity and fakery!?

Photography is not only a tool to record reality, but also a unique art form that reflects the rhythm of life and the depth of the human soul through each moment. Unlike many other art forms, photography is closely linked to the progress of science and technology . From cramped darkrooms to digital cameras, from mechanical lenses to artificial intelligence (AI), each step forward in technology opens up new creative spaces, a wide, powerful and almost limitless range of creativity for the photographer.

But technology, no matter how modern, is still just a means. The true value of art always lies in the hands, the mind and first of all, the heart of the photographer. A beautiful photo is not only because of the right light or perfect composition, it is beautiful because it contains emotions - the sincere vibrations that the artist sends in that moment. A true photographer does not just "shoot" with the lens, but with the heart.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, when competitions, awards and titles appear more and more, the halo of success sometimes makes photographers easily lose their way. Some people are so engrossed in chasing awards, likes or fame that they forget the core values of photography: honesty and humanity. Because of that, the unfortunate cycle of “awarding - public opinion - revoking the award” still occurs from time to time, damaging the public’s trust in the art of photography.

In addition to the creator, the jury also plays a very important role. In the context of technology changing every day, the criteria for evaluating works need to be updated more strictly, with a combination of expertise, impartiality and responsibility. An award given to the right person, with the right value, not only honors the author, but also affirms the prestige of the contest and builds lasting trust for photography lovers.

Photography is the art of the moment, but to capture a moving moment, the photographer must be committed, patient and live fully with his subject. Timeless photos are often born from deep empathy: from the eyes of a mother at the afternoon market, the innocent smile of a child in the highlands, to the calloused hands of a worker… No software, no technique can create such real emotions.

Technology, especially artificial intelligence, if placed in the right place, will be an extension of creativity. But if people lose their professional conscience, no matter how sophisticated the technique, the photo will still be just an empty shell. Photography, after all, is a journey of beauty and truth, where the artist must respect the subject being photographed, respect his own emotions and those of the viewer.

The “snake photo shoot” incident is therefore not only a sad story, but also a valuable reminder. Awards can be given and then withdrawn, but personality and professional reputation - if built with passion and honesty - will last over time.

In the digital age, when anyone can hold a camera and take pictures, the true value of photography is not in the number of photos created, but in the number of genuine moments that the artist truly touches. Technology may change every day, but the "heart" of the photographer is always the clearest lens, helping the art of photography touch the hearts of viewers and live forever.

DOAN HOAI TRUNG , Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/ranh-gioi-giua-sang-tao-va-gia-tao-post823669.html