Failed family photographs: errors left out from the algorithmic definition of perfect photographs

Abstract

The subject matter of this study is defining and classifying “errors” left out from the algorithmic definition of “perfect photograph” in visual technologies and making understandable their relation with the developments in tools. New features that promote “perfect photographs” are added to cameras and applications and then they start to shape the perceptions. At this point, how the “perfect photograph” is defined is very important because it is very subjective topic varying from person to person and over time. The categorization is made according to algorithms used in digital cameras, cellphone cameras and applications. They are technical errors, timing errors and non-smile errors. The applications, the modes of cameras are exemplified and the predetermined standards of them are explained in this study.The introduction of advances in the field of image technology starts to change the standards in family photography. As a part of vernacular photographs, the family album takes its share from the effects of algorithms in cameras and applications. With the strong relation to memory, the elimination of errors in family albums has important meaning and results. As a practical side of the thesis, “Failed” is an interactive installation composed of family photographs. For the celebration of imperfections in family albums, an interactive and participative approach is preferred. All these “imperfections” in family albums that we could keep give me an inspiration to pursue the errors definition by algorithms.