When Is Photography Considered Art? A Deeper Look at Creativity, Intention, and Expression

The question “When is photography considered art?” surfaces more frequently than many might expect. Despite photography’s long history and its undeniable influence on culture, a surprisingly large number of people still hesitate to describe it as art in the same way they would refer to painting, sculpture, or illustration. Even more commonly, people resist the idea that a photographer has the artistic right to alter their images, whether through editing, reframing, or compositing.