The description of $F_2$ at low $Q^2$

We analyse the data for the proton structure function $F_2$ over the entire $Q^2$ domain, including especially low $Q^2$, in terms of perturbative and non-perturbative QCD contributions. The small distance configurations are given by perturbative QCD, while the large distance contributions are given by the vector dominance model and, for the higher mass $q \bar{q}$ states, by the additive quark approach. The interference between states of different $q\bar{q}$ mass (in the perturbative contribution) is found to play a crucial role in obtaining an excellent description of the data throughout the whole $Q^2$ region, including photoproduction.