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Photographs Everywhere, But Is It Really Art?
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. About the author: Sue Kennedy, LRPS & LBIPP Sue Kennedy is an UK based photographer specialising in outdoor photography and works on commission for companies & individuals as well as shooting for picture libraries. To purchase from Sue's current print and card selection visit her Website http://www.blueeyesphoto.com Copyright � 2004 Sue Kennedy Blue Eyes Photography Ltd
MORE RESOURCES: The Face Magazine: Culture Shift review – rebellious fashion photography with a raucous sense of fun The Guardian Tale of Two Weegees at the International Center of Photography National Review The Street Photographer Who Captured New York’s Fabulous Unknowns The New York Times Meet the duo using hair and photography as a medium to consider Africa and the African diaspora Wallpaper* Is Photography Actually an Art Form? The Phoblographer Ethical Photo Editing: Maintaining Integrity in Yearbook Photography Walsworth Yearbooks Gallery to open annual photography show Bowie News - McBroom Wins Grand Champion at San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Photography Contest The Fayette County Record Canadian Citizen Xiao Guang Pan Charged with Unauthorized Drone Photography of Cape Canaveral Defense Installations The Maine Wire Rania Matar’s “SHE” explores women’s resilience in new Middlebury Museum of Art photography exhibit The Middlebury Campus Works by Armineh Johannes Part of Chelsea Int’l Photography Competition The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Photo Focus: The magic of photography Charleston City Paper Axel’s Shoot Out salutes three Vermont photographers Waterbury Roundabout Echoes of Beijing: Liu Shiming’s Sculptures and Lois Conner’s Photography in Dialogue, NYC Arte Fuse New photography exhibition launched at Stonehenge Yahoo News UK Grosby Group Celebrates 27 Years Covering the Academy Awards: A Legacy of Iconic Photography EIN News Ron Rosenstock remains in the picture at JCC Art Gallery, will be celebrated at gala - Worcester Mag Beyond the lens: S&T’s student photographer looks to the future Missouri S&T News and Research Photography Exhibit Chronicles Pandemic Time on the Island The Vineyard Gazette - Martha's Vineyard News Recovery and connection through art Homer News Minimalist Winter Photography Fstoppers Asheville photographer named 2024 Photographer of the Year, work displayed in Times Square Citizen Times Detroit photographer opens historical hip-hop exhibit Oakland Press John Blakemore obituary The Guardian Will Douglas photographs the Brentford Penguins – the football club that turns no child away It's Nice That Photos That Capture the Soul of San Francisco The New York Times Local Photographer Wins Major Award For Photos In East Palestine Wheeling Intelligencer 23 local artists recognized for their work during annual contest; reception is Saturday Times Reporter B&H Photo Announces Bild Expo 2025 - A Two-Day Celebration of Photography, Content Creation, and Filmmaking PR Newswire Documenting Black Seaside – past and present – has become a passion for one photographer. Monterey County Weekly iPhone 16e specs show it’s missing 3 key camera features – including the latest Photographic Styles TechRadar Are Photography Festivals Still Worth Your Time? The Phoblographer After 15 Years, I Finally Got My Vision Back. Here’s How It’s Affecting My Photography The Phoblographer The roots of American photography are firmly in Cincinnati, new documentary declares The Cincinnati Enquirer Through the Lens: Student Photographers on Campus The Dartmouth Photographers Stay Rooted At YUAG New Haven Independent Black and Baroque: The story of She Shoots 317 photography Indianapolis Recorder Paul McCartney announces Beverly Hills photography exhibit The Music Universe. What makes Bloomington unique? These European photographers plan to capture it on film. The Herald-Times Black history reimagined through a photographer’s lens BayStateBanner This photographer just broke the world record for the most headshots taken in an hour. Can you guess how many he captured? Digital Camera World A' Camera and Photography Equipment Design Award Announces Comprehensive Prize Package for 2024 EIN News ‘I want my photos’: Local bride in battle with photographer to get wedding pictures - Boston 25 News Personal Focus: Former Southern Living photographers show their favorite images at Aldridge Gardens Over the Mountain Journal Designer Priya Ahluwalia and photographer Nick Sethi talk about their creative process and the need to innovate Harpers Bazaar India Hannibal Arts Council exhibits opening Feb. 28 feature photography, graphite drawings, oil and acrylic paintings Muddy River News 9th Xposure photography festival gets under way in Sharjah, UAE Digital Camera World The American Dream, Through Foreign Eyes The New York Times "My images tell a story of art, science and culture all in one frame," says astrophotographer Josh Dury Digital Camera World BG Arts Council seeks entries for ‘Perspective: Photographers of NW Ohio’ BG Independent News How Huntsville-native + photographer Miles Whitmore is changing the creative scene in Huntsville Hville Blast Every ‘Saturday Night,’ the Stars Smile for Her The New York Times |
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