I once heard a lady say to a photographer that she would have
bought his work if it had been a painting. She liked the image,
but for whatever reason didn't consider the medium suitable for
her “it's just a photo”.
I am sure that some share her thoughts, whilst others would
be quite happy either way, but a growing number of people do
recognise photography as an Art form. And collect it.
“There are three fundamental components of what we call
art. First, is the artist; second, is the medium; and
third is the artwork. All three, clearly are interrelated.'
--- Tad Beckman ---
Defining Photographic Art
It is true many people do regard photography as merely a
reproductive medium, and the photographer as simply the
technician. And if this were just about your holiday snaps
then it would be a valid point.
So let's start with my definition of photographic art. I say my
definition because there is no stock answer it means different
things to different people.
For me it's about creating a beautiful image that is an
interpretation of the scene that I saw in my mind captured on
film, rather than just a recording of what is already there.
It's about the photographer being the choreographer of the
various components; the composition is critical, as is the
lighting, weather conditions and the colours at play.
It's not just about pressing the shutter release, although
timing is everything. Patience comes into play too, as you
wait for all the components to be perfect all at the same
time.
Some things you can control, but the weather well that
constantly throws out surprises that can add that hint
of drama to a picture or send you home disappointed.
It's these uncertainties that add the challenge, and this
results in creativity as you respond to the situation. Other
photographers will have their own criteria, but we all are
producing very personal pieces of work that we feel passionate
about and that are a representation of our interpretation of
the world.
A Photograph - More Than Just A Sheet Of Paper With An Image
On It?
Oh yes! Typically a photographer will capture an image that
pleases their eye. They will create something that is close to
their heart, and therefore give a little of themselves in the
image.
Effectively they are allowing you to see how they perceive the
world to be, one moment at a time. Add into the fact that many
photographers print their own work (once they have an order!),
and sign it then you could say you are buying a piece of
history - or designer art!
In other words you are not buying a mass produced print, and
naturally the price reflects this. You are buying into the
reputation of that photographer and you will expect to pay
more. When someone is starting out and building reputation
then you are investing in the potential of that person.
You won't pay as much, but you'll be backing your own instinct
and demonstrating your belief in that person's talent.
Contemporary photography is affordable art.
Subject Matter - Does It Matter?
Personally I don't believe it does, and I mean this in the
sense that people will be drawn to your work because they
have seen something of yours and liked your style, and
typically that means they like your choice of subject matter
too.
My preference is for landscapes and increasingly flowers,
whilst other photographers prefer sport, people or a more
abstract approach to name but a few.
I think the key to preserving artistic integrity is to shoot
for your own personal satisfaction, although naturally as your
reputation builds you will develop an understanding of what
collectors want, but for me I always have to love the image
myself to want to share it with the world. Anything less and
it stays in the drawer!
I still experiment, and search for new subject matter, but my
photographic style is what it is. It just keeps evolving.
A New Language
Understanding the language of the image is something quite
individual to the viewer, it does not explain itself in the
same way to each person. It is subjective. And although some
may view photography as easy, believing that there own point
and shoot cameras can produce similar results to a master
photographer are confusing the issue.
After all most of us have made paintings at some time in our
lives, and may still own paint brushes, but wouldn't necessarily
look at a painting by a master and not consider it to be art
would we?
It is the heart and hand of the author behind the brush, camera
or pen that executes the creative vision not the tools used.
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