What is meant by substantive?

For something to be substantive, it is independent in existence or function. It is not subordinate. It is essential, considerable and substantial. It is not imaginary, but rather actual and real. If information is substantive, it is of or relating to the essence or substance. So, if something is substantial, it has verifiable existence.
Substantive can be used to describe the realms of photography. Photography is real, concrete, and tangible. A single photography is substantive in the means that it can never be imaginary. For example, street photography is a great way to show substantive photography. It can define a moment or chronicle an environment or scene.
Charlene Weisler's photography reflects the ever-changing New York City's urban landscape. Her work is designed to capture the moment, but leaving the viewer with a taste of something totally new. Her works have been labeled "substantive photography" in the means that she relates to the essence of her subjects --the impermanence of New York City's street art. She concentrates on the evolving nature of layered graffiti. I have included a link to her website.

http://www.charleneweisler.com/portd.html