Judges in photography competitions have to make what seems to be ultra-quick decisions on whether a photograph is better or worse than other photographs. I have never done well in these contests – and I have no problem with the judges concerned – but here I want to discuss one area that often comes up. Judges will frequently suggest that a photograph would have done better if it had been decluttered; that is to say extraneous objects edited out so that the image shows solely the main area of focus.
As an example, it was suggested that this might be better if the fag end was edited out. I can understand a dislike for the entire image but to edit in this manner seems a step too far
Questions around the notion of truth in photography have been around pretty much since the technology was first invented in the 19th century, and my concern is not really around the notion of truth. I have an aesthetic preference for clutter; I like the everyday detritus that is always there. To me it will nearly always make the image stronger.
Another example; Not a great photograph anyway, but would this be improved by editing or cropping to remove the blue bin or the yellow sign ? I much prefer these to be left in, as to me they keep the image grounded and in touch with the real world
