Photography vs. Digital Art

The Creative Divide and My Journey to Finding Balance

Photography has always been a medium of expression, a way to capture moments in time. But as technology evolves, the lines between traditional photography and digital art have become increasingly blurred. Purist photographers argue that a photograph should remain as true to the original scene as possible, with minimal editing—just enough to correct exposure, color balance, or minor imperfections. On the other hand, digital artists see photography as a canvas, a foundation upon which they can build entire worlds through manipulation, blending, and creative enhancements.

I find myself caught in the middle of this divide. As a photographer who enjoys blending elements of digital art into my work, I’ve often faced criticism from those who believe in strict photographic purity. There have been times when I doubted my own creative vision, questioning whether my work was 'true photography' or if I was straying too far from the discipline. The purist mindset made me hesitant, sometimes even holding me back from fully embracing my artistic instincts.

But recently, I’ve taken a step back and asked myself—who am I really creating for? The majority of people who view my work don’t analyze it from a purist perspective. They don’t dissect the difference between an image that’s been digitally enhanced versus one that’s untouched. They simply see an image and feel something, and that’s what truly matters. My goal isn’t to follow rigid rules but to create scenes that captivate, that tell a story, that evoke emotion.

And let’s be honest—our entire society is shifting when it comes to visual perception. With the rise of AI-generated art and hyper-realistic digital manipulation, the distinction between what’s real and what’s fake is becoming nearly impossible to pinpoint. We live in an era where authenticity is more about impact than process. At some point, we have to acknowledge this evolution and decide whether we want to resist it or embrace it.

So I’ve made my choice. Instead of getting in my own way, I’m leaning into what feels right for me. I’m crafting images that draw people in, that make them pause, that spark their imagination. Whether my work is considered 'pure photography' or 'digital art' doesn’t change the fact that it resonates with people.

In the end, art is about expression. And if we limit ourselves based on outdated definitions, we risk losing the magic that creativity brings. It’s time to evolve with the times and make art that speaks, no matter the medium.