Is Found Photography Losing Its Sheen

Found photography - photographs discovered rather than intentionally created - often carries an inherent authenticity and rawness. Whether from flea markets, family albums, or archives, these images tell stories that weren't necessarily intended when they were taken. They provide unfiltered glimpses into past moments, fashions, social norms, and daily life. The narrative emerges from the viewer's interpretation rather than the photographer's intent.

In contrast, built narratives in photography involve deliberate choices about composition, subject, timing, and sequence. Photographers like Gregory Crewdson or Jeff Wall create elaborate staged scenes that tell specific stories. Documentary photographers might spend years crafting a narrative about a particular issue or community.

The interesting tension comes when these approaches intersect. Some artists deliberately incorporate found photographs into constructed narratives, creating dialogues between past and present. Others might adopt a "found" aesthetic while actually carefully orchestrating their shots.

With constructed narratives, you have complete control over the story you want to tell - from lighting and composition to the precise moments you choose to capture. This control allows for powerful intentional messaging and the ability to manifest specific artistic visions. However, this very control could potentially make the work feel less organic or authentic to some viewers.

Found photography, on the other hand, often carries this incredible element of serendipity. There's something magical about discovering meaningful moments that weren't deliberately staged. The limitations become part of the creative process - working with what exists rather than what you can create. The challenge here might be in curating and contextualising these found images in a way that serves your artistic vision while respecting their original context.

I find myself oscillating between these two approaches and most times overlapping.

Curious to know what your thoughts are?

Best, always.

Amit