Published in PSA Journal • August 2008
Fine Art Photography, digital art, modern photography; these words represent different views of artwork that come under the umbrella of Fine Art Photography.
At least one of these titles, if
Art Photography not all of these titles, are conduits through which photographers envision art photography as a part of the world of art and see it as a channel to the outside world.
The goal for the photographer is to demonstrate artistic and creative ideas through the use of the camera lens, in the same manner in which a painter would use a brush, color palette and canvas to produce artwork that would appeal to others. The real challenge in photographic work is the ability to use creative methods and make others perceive what the photographer sees; appreciate special beauty, and more importantly, understand the message behind each photograph with all of its particular details.
Digital cameras and computer software, which are specifically designed for the professional photographer’s needs, have given many photographers the keys to open the gates of imagination and reveal creative pictorial talents.
The images now can include a variety of symbolic signs exposing the viewers to various stories within the frame of the images and presenting the artist’s visualization of beauty.
I believes that photographers who work on photography as a branch of Fine Arts must be able to utilize all available technologies without any restrictions on the usage of equipment, as a gateway for imaginary visions and creative ideas. But the artist should always remember to finalize the creative idea in a professional manner and finish the work as a fine arts piece. The basic guidelines for artwork must not be forgotten: quality, composition, and visual attraction. The digital camera should be used to produce images much like paintings and other artworks: to produce an artwork requires being a professional in using artistic techniques, by having a good creative idea and the intentions to communicate the artist’s imaginative message. Combine both art and photography to finalize creative ideas. The most important thing in digital artwork is the ability to express and deliver feelings in an otherwise static piece of artwork. When taking photographs, the message will not be complete to the viewer unless the shooting atmosphere is suitable to the message being delivered. The best shots can be taken in a nicely prepared artistic atmosphere for models with lighting and music effects that help magnify the creative atmosphere, and then, at the right moment, take the shots. These photographs come under the umbrella of fine arts—called fine art photography.
Appreciate the gifts history has offered of great fine artwork found in museums, books, paintings, and photographs, especially those on the walls of temples everywhere in the world, which reflect the world’s different cultures. It is a fine art photographer’s duty to study the work and use new technologies and equipment (not available in earlier times) to add new artworks to those that already exist. Photographers with artistic vision should not hesitate to take on that mission and leave something new to be used by the coming generations.
