Which characteristics define straight photography?

Straight photography is characterized primarily by its emphasis on capturing images as they are, without manipulation or heavy editing. This art form often focuses on real-life subjects, highlighting the beauty in everyday scenes and objects. By presenting unaltered representations of reality, straight photography seeks to maintain authenticity and objectivity in the visual narrative.

While the other aspects mentioned, such as darkroom manipulation and frequent editing processes, might apply to various photographic styles, they run counter to the ethos of straight photography. This genre deliberately avoids such alterations to preserve the integrity of the moment captured. The use of large format cameras can enhance detail and depth in an image, but it is not a defining characteristic of straight photography itself. Therefore, the emphasis on images from everyday life aligns perfectly with the core principles of straight photography, making it the defining characteristic of the genre.