landscape
Pictorial photography
The practice of recording the environment as the principal subject matter for an image is a
fairly modern concept. Prior to the ‘Romantic Era’ in the late 18th century, the landscape was
merely painted as a setting or backdrop for the principal subject. Eventually the environment and
in particular the natural environment began to be idealized and romanticized. The picturesque
aesthetic of beauty, unity and social harmony was established by painters such as John Constable
and William Turner working just prior to the invention of photography. The fi rst photographic
movement was born and was known as ‘pictorial photography’.
Pictorial photographers believed that the camera could do more than simply document or record
objectively. The pictorial approach was not so much about information as about effect, mood and
technique.
Pictorial photographers often felt, however, that the photographic lens recorded too much detail.
This led to photographers employing techniques to soften the fi nal look of the image. These
techniques included taking the images slightly out of focus or using print manipulation to remove
detail. The aim was to create an image which looked more like a drawing or painting and less like
a photograph.
Naturalism
Dr Peter Henry Emerson promoted photographic ‘Naturalism’ in 1889 in his book Naturalistic
Photography for Students of Art. Emerson believed that photographers shouldn’t emulate the themes
and techniques of the painters but treat photography as an independent art form. He encouraged
photographers to look directly at nature for their guidance rather than painting. He believed that
photography should be both true to nature and human vision. Emerson promoted the concept that
each photographer could strive to communicate something personal through their work.
Pictorial style image - Itti Karuson