Re: [APML]: Astrophotography or Astro-Art?

["Robin Casady" <rcasady@carmelcoast.com>]

The Astro-Photography Mailing List
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>I am not saying Ansel did not alter or did alter. My impression was he
>approached his work with a truism of sorts. I can not argue that point. 

Having heard Ansel speak and having known people who worked with him, my
impression is that he was very much concerned with creative expression, and
his subjects were vehicles to that end.

>Do filters alter content. Does burning or dodging alter content? Does
>the traditional "perception" not definition, of art suggest manipulation
>in the form of altering subject content.

If you used a filter to change the color of a person's skin, you could
certainly use that to make a comment. That would be adding content. Whether
the use of a filter adds content or not depends on how it is used by the
artist. If it is merely to remove light pollution, it is not adding much
artistic content.

>Curious though, why is his image called "Moon Over Hernandez"?

A book titled "Ansel Adams" and published in 1972 lists this photo as:
"Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico 1944"

There is a rising moon in the image. The town pictured is called Hernandez.

>My original question is to ask if astrophotography is art or science?
>I perceive it as an art form base on a hobbyist's interest. Are you an
>Astronomer creating images of pleasure? Or, are you creating images of
>pleasure by using the tools of Astronomy?

Yes, astrophotography is art or science or it is neither.

I am a Cheshire Cat creating illusions.

Robin Casady
http://www.CarmelCoast.com

Casady & Greene, Inc.
http://www.casadyg.com