The Art of Fine Art Photography

Author (Nick). Submitted on Mon, 23 Apr 2012

It seems that nowadays everyone is a photographer. Between cell phones, smart phones, and compact digital cameras, everyone has the ability to play the role of photographer. Though it might be fun to engage in amateur photography, it is no replacement for fine art photography.

As the author John Steinbeck once said, “It does seem to me that [photographer Robert] Capa has proved beyond all doubt that the camera need not be a cold mechanical device. Like the pen, it is as good as the man who uses it. It can be the extension of mind and heart.” Indeed, a camera is a medium with which beautiful and provocative images can be created. Although there is nothing wrong with documenting daily events with a mobile phone camera, it is important that you do not forget to appreciate the beauty of fine art photography. After all, a camera in the hands of a skilled photographer can create something far more brilliant than a mere documentation of a moment.

Fine art photography takes patience, skill, and above all an artistic eye. A good photographer can take a photo in such a way that it goes beyond merely capturing an image to create a work of art. It is not about recording an event, but isolating or constructing an image that provokes thought and emotion.

Special effects on Smartphone cameras might have fooled people into believing that a color filter or a blurred edge is enough to constitute an artistic image. These applications are certainly fun to play with, but just do not hold a candle to real fine art photography. A skilled photographer might choose to retouch a photo afterward to add special effects, but is also capable of applying various effects while the photo is actually being shot, using specialty lenses, shooting techniques, and lighting. Simply manipulating the lighting of a photo can drastically alter the finished product, provoking different thoughts, feelings, and reactions from the audience.

Though many photographers spend time staging a shot, adjusting lighting and lenses according to their predetermined subject matter, many specialize in candid photography. Candid shots are those that are taken spontaneously, as the event happens in real time, and without the subject deliberately posing. Candid photography requires a different set of skills from posed photography, and only a truly gifted photographer can snap a candid photo on a whim in such a way that the finished product is still a beautiful and provocative artistic statement. Though the careful staging might not have gone into it, preparation is still required, and a well-done candid shot can be just as moving as a posed one.

So while it might be fun to play around with the special effects programmed into your camera phone, and it is wonderful that mobile phones give people the ability to document the events in their lives like never before, it’s important that you don’t let this phenomenon lower your standards for photography. No matter how advanced the tools for amateur photography get, nothing can take the place of fine art photography.

In a time when amateur photography is running rampant, fine art photography stands out even more than ever, as a complex and relevant artistic medium that turns reality into a beautiful and intense statement.

About the Author

For the most impressive fine art photography from a music photographer, check out my website. As a rock photographer I have taken pictures of rock bands, rock legends and music icons, for many years. On my website you will see pictures of rock bands including Guns N’ Roses, ZZ Top, Staind, Korn and 50 Cent and many more. There are many fine art photographers, but few can claim to be a music photographer as well! Their music thrills you, now let their photographs move you.

Rating: Not yet rated

Comments

No comments posted.

Tongshu Articles

Fast Approving Article Directory