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A Little
More About Photography
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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
Article
Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/
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