Re: [APML]: Art or Science

[Chris Vedeler <cvedeler@ix.netcom.com>]

The Astro-Photography Mailing List
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I've had this debate with friends as well.  In my opinion the
astrophotography I do is for aesthetic value, not for scientific value.
Saying astrophotography is astronomy (the science) is almost like saying
landscape photography is geology.  Astrophotography is unique in that it
does require a lot of science to get pleasing pictures and people that do
it tend to be really into the science too, but in the end I think must of
us are after images of the night sky that are beautiful.  I'm friends with
several professional astronomers, and their motivations for imaging are
quite different than mine.

I'm also of the opinion that Art and Science are not mutually exclusive
and deep down, may really be two sides of the same thing.

Chris Vedeler
http://www.isomedia.com/homes/cvedeler/space.htm
Tucson, AZ

Gregory David Stempel wrote:

> The Astro-Photography Mailing List
> ------------------------------------
>
> Hello
>
> I would like to get your feedback from any or all of you about
> Astrophotography.
>
> Is it Art or Science. Is it the Art of Science or Artistic Science? Are
> you  an Artist?
>
> I got into a huge debate at the studios about this. I defended
> astrophotography as an art form which focused on scientific subjects. I
> was told it was just science.
>
> Also, if the art community feels it is science, are they wrong? Does
> some of this very outstanding work deserve to be displayed in a
> Gallery??
>
> Thanks very much, and of course, take care out there.
> Gregory david Stempel