Interactive Photography: The photographer

Interactive photography is a growing field in photography. Many photographers use interactive photography to display ideas and subject matter in new and innovative ways. It can sometimes be described as a photographic result that is much more comprehensive than a conventional snapshot and can take the shape of animations or extensive pan and zoom environments. Much of interactive photography is considered from the viewpoint of the intended audience of these different types of interfaces; however one must consider that it can be an interactive experience for the photographer as well.
When you take a picture you usually are just trying to capture a moment in time that you would like to remember or a particular setting that holds interest for you. When photographers engage in interactive photography they are going beyond just pressing the shutter button and snapping a picture. There is much more for them to consider like a purpose behind the pictures that extends beyond just recording a particular setting or subject for memory. Interactive photography demands that the photographer really consider the subject matter and try to best represent its significance through the photo. This means that the interactive experience of an interactive photography project is felt from beginning to end.

An example of a photographer engaging in interactive photography might be a photographer who is setting out on a city tour to capture the architectural aspects of a specific time period. When setting out on this type of venture the photographer must really consider what specific features and elements best represent this subject matter. Understanding and studying the subject is the beginning of the interactive photography experience. When trying to capture the necessary elements of the subject with photography care must be taken to ensure that the technical aspects of photography are employed to best represent the subject. If the photo is supposed to showcase a particular style of joinery or masonry used the lighting must be manipulated so that all portions of the element being photographed can be clearly seen and that it will convey the structural significance of what is being captured. This is where the interactive photography experience expands for the photographer.

The purpose of interactive photography is to be engaging. If you are not a photographer then you only experience this when you interface with the final product of a photographer. However it is just as much of an interactive experience for the photographer as it is for you. Often times the photographer must study the subject matter or start out with an intention to capture something specific before the camera is even used. One doesn’t have to be a professional photographer though to engage in interactive photography. All that is required is a predetermined subject matter and an interest in accurately capturing and representing the subject. The subject can be anything you are interested in or anything you might like to learn more about. It is easy to turn photography into interactive photography; all it takes is a little forethought and research.

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