Photographs are known to be half truths of reality, capturing moments in time and encapsulating them forever. However, what happens when photographs distort what lies before our eyes?

Several photographers, six of whom are exhibiting in New Photography 2009 at MOMA, are challenging conventions by incorporating everyday materials as well as images sourced from web and print media. Blurring boundaries between disciplines such as sculpture and installation, these artists are redefining the art of photography in the 21st century.

According to artist Daniel Gordon, the process begins in the darkroom instead of venturing in search of subjects to photograph.

 “I don’t anticipate a picture’s meaning or formal qualities before I begin to make it. Instead, I let the criteria of the process guide the subject matter, discovering what the work is about as it comes to life,” he said.

With the emergence of digital techniques, contemporary photography merges creativity with technology to create abstract illusions. As photography continues to evolve, take note – what you see is not always what you get.