Objective Reality vs. Subjective Reality

While some may believe that unedited images and video taken represent objective reality, this is not the case. When someone takes a video or photo it is not a perfectly objective recording of reality, it is in fact subjective reality. The reason being is that, whoever is capturing the moment is capturing their interpretation of reality. It truly depends on the person and their interpretation of reality. They could have similar styles and techniques they use or can have completely different ones from one another. This all depends on the choice of technology and tools used by the photographer. Their choice of lens, filters, lighting, and more, have a part in how the photo or video turns out. Even the simplest features used by a photographer does not inherently represent objective reality, as no film or digital tool can perfectly and accurately capture reality.

Objective reality can be best noted as what we see right there in that moment that things happen. Color is created in the mind of whomever the observer is, and not a physical property of objects in the world. Therefore, even objective reality can be different for each observer depending on how they see things with the naked eye.

Moreover, majority of the time, the real existing world is not recorded with strict objectivity in photographs, and more so done subjectively. People with editorial judgments believe that digitally editing and enhancing images will make it more interesting version of their subjective reality. In doing so, they incorporate their own personal preferences, prejudices, purpose/intentions, aesthetics, and philosophies.

“Bee” by Derek Bridges is licensed under CC BY 2.0