When is a photograph not a photograph?

I see the objects in the photos I collect in the same way I see the pieces of cut paper I use in the "structures" series(the photo is like a bunch of pieces of paper sitting on my desk before they are assembled).   I wouldn't call it editing or cropping when I adjust one of these "collections".  Conceptually I am in the same place as when I am clipping and placing a piece of paper.  Conceptually, I am in a place where I am  "collecting" light .  A place where the placements of objects is bringing shape to light.  The thing I use to collect the light is more like a bucket or a butterfly net.  Objects are not seen for their photographic quality, or clarity.  If the object came out is blurry, its visual effect is assessed after and not before...   I am not trying to take a good photo because I may cut only pieces out of the pile.