Open Forum

Hi Stephanie,

When I worked for a museum with an encyclopaedic collection, it was policy to identify process in labels corresponding to photographic works, regardless of period--from Daguerreotype, Gelatin-silver print, Albumen print, and so on, to C-print/Chromogenic print, Giclée print, Cibachrome, etc. If there is a concern that, given the context, your visitors will not understand the medium, you could include "photograph" in the label in an elegant way. I do think that museums and collections, as educational resources, have a responsibility to disclose that information to their public. And process is, in many ways, still relevant to the discussion of photography.

Best wishes!

Interesting question.  I am a using digital Photoshop oil paint program to create digital images.  I have the most excitement taking "still life" images in the classic tradition and turning them into a new medium for my photography. I am still working on what do call them.

Leon

UM Flint

Although, I look at signage with a background of knowledge, I am always frustrated to not find the information I am looking for when I read the signage. A photograph is a photograph no matter the process. I put down photograph and then the process used, if possible. When artists and designers give me work I asked for as much detail as possible, so that the viewer can look for that information when needed. I teach, so I am always asking my students to give me as much information, as possible, on the work that they are researching. Often the signage does not give this information which can be frustrating. Also, with digital media, I believe, that the processes used should be revealed to the curious viewer, whether they understand what it means is not at issue. They can always research right there on their smart phone.

Hello - 

I always believe that a photograph is an image captured with a camera regardless of the process used to develop, print or display it (is it not a photo just b/c its only shown on a screen?).  I just took down an exhibit by a local photographer where the introduction panel listed the work as photography and then on the individual labels list the material as "Framed digital print" as that it the only information available but had I known the type of digital print I would have preferred to put that.  Hope this helps