Originally Posted by
bobt
One of the joys of photography lies in the huge range of options it gives us, and we choose which path to tread. The only restriction lies in the rules surrounding your chosen genre. If it's in a competition, then you abide by those rules - but otherwise, the sky is the limit (preferably not blown out).
It is whatever you want it to be, and as with any creative outlet, you choose the extent to which it reflects reality. In that sense it differs little from any other form of artistic expression - if it feels good, do it!