How can photography be defined?

Photography can be defined as an application, practice, and art of creating permanent images. This definition encompasses the technical aspects of capturing images through various methods, whether it involves film or digital processes, as well as the creative expression that photographers apply to convey emotions, concepts, or narratives through their work.

Photography not only requires knowledge of the equipment and techniques involved in capturing images, such as understanding light, composition, and camera settings, but it also emphasizes the artistic side of creating photographs that can evoke feelings or tell stories. This definition reflects the holistic nature of photography as both a skill and an art form, making it a complete representation of what photography entails.

The other options focus on narrower aspects of photography, such as the scientific method or digital editing, which do not fully encapsulate the broad spectrum of photography as both a practice and an art. Visual storytelling is a significant component of photography but does not cover its various technical and practical applications.