You are asked to consider the development of photography along with the early debate it generated around what is and is not art. As you will read in your book, in the 19th century, many were quite solidly against photography being considered an art form and photographs being exhibited in the Salons of Paris. (While in the past two decades there has been less of a debate over whether or not photography can be considered an art form, its place in the arts continues to be unclear. In fact in many universities, the photography department is separate from the fine arts.)

You are asked to consider the arguments made by those opposing photography being labeled an art. What are your thoughts on this matter? Is photography today (in the age of iPhone, where it is so easy for anyone to snap an image anywhere) an art form? Do you believe it is losing or gaining status in the arts? Please explain. Include images or links if appropriate. And please keep in mind that this is a very subjective discussion topic. There is no right answer.

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