What does authenticity mean in photography? To me, it means capturing and producing photos in a truthful and believable manner within the context. It may involve choosing the appropriate perspective, capturing genuine moments, or creating convincing visual effects. But it can go beyond that based on the situation. What I don't think it means is a specific genre or style of photography, such as photojournalism. And authentic photos certainly don’t have to be confined by reality.

Grappling with reality and fiction

As a matter of fact, the pursuit of reality in photography is a lost cause, because it’s filled with subjectivity. Before a photographer even picks up the camera, there’s probably an image already being constructed in their heads, with their own interpretations. Adding up the camera choice, exposure settings, composition, image selection, and editing, the amount of subjectivity is staggering. So one might ask, why do we need authenticity or even realism when most of the photos we see are subjective or fictional?

Fiction and reality are very much intertwined. First of all, fiction is often created with reality as a reference point or simply an abstract or augmented version of reality. Realistic details or genuine portrayals can serve as a ladder to bring people into a fictional world. Good fiction also leverages human psychology, taps into our senses, and elicits emotional responses as if we're reacting to a true story. Think how many people cried for a fictional story like Game of Thrones. Fiction or not, we're wired to look for authentic experiences.

A deeper connection with the viewers

A photograph is basically a moment of life that we can share with others. While we are individuals with different appearances, personalities, and points of view, I believe we are more alike than different. There's a great deal of satisfaction in seeing others share our beliefs or feelings. Visuals, concepts, or experiences that draw inspiration from real life and real people can bring the audience closer, as they are easy to understand and relate to. When a photo resonates with the viewer, there's a higher chance for emotional responses and a lasting impression.

I believe the concept of authenticity can apply in most categories of photography, even in the commercial realm where the work is held to certain standards and the creative direction can be dictated by the client. For example, many couples want dreamy-looking wedding photos, but I'm sure they will also appreciate small details that are uniquely about them. Professional-looking stock photos are good for businesses, but it's more inviting to use models who look like actual employees rather than the typical print models. The push into authenticity doesn't mean sacrificing quality, only adding value to the photo.

Going back to the essence of the photo

A big part of making authentic photos is preserving the essence of the photo throughout the creation process. Think of it as a reminder of why we wanted the shot. If people feel moved by a photo, it's usually because the photographer was moved by what they saw in the first place. We should protect the original idea and not overshadow it with other unnecessary visual elements. By preserving the essence in the photo, we maintain a focus on our vision and establish a solid foundation for any post-production work. The key is to only add anything that will either strengthen or complement the original idea.

This notion promotes thoughtfulness and going above and beyond. We may want to carefully compose the shot and give the main subject more visual weight, use less makeup and let the model’s emotions show through, examine anything in-frame that might not fit the story, etc. For photographers that aren't well versed in editing, it could mean getting more of the shot done in-camera and on location, which actually leads to more satisfying results in my experience.

The reason why authenticity makes more powerful photos comes down to holding photographers to a higher standard. It pushes us to go beyond a certain look and feel and try to understand what affects people both visually and emotionally. It encourages us to be intentional with our decisions and not to take any shortcuts. While we may need to put in more effort, the images will be much more impactful than before.

Why Authenticity Makes More Powerful Photos