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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

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A debate that could rage on for eternity, but let’s look at the basics. Every
photographer has their own unique style, developed over time and moulded by their
background and personality. Some photographers stick religiously to black & white
images, whilst others swear by full colour. Which is right? The question to ask
though is which is right for the individual image.

Take a photograph that has been shot in full colour. Change that same image to
black and white and the whole feel, mood and emotion of the image changes
drastically. In-fact the entire message that the image portrays is different. This can
be a powerful tool in the photographers armour if used in the correct way.

In today’s digital world, a colour photograph can be changed from colour to black &
white in the click of a button, enabling instant viewable results. And if colour vs.
black & white wasn’t enough to contend with, Sepia has been added to the mix, also
holding a strong case for selection and use, and having choice IS a good thing.

Once you have chosen the most effective colour(s) you can then perfect the image in
programs like Photoshop. Personally I don’t like to alter the original image too
much. I do however correct the colour, lighting and contrast.

If your framing your image then you have more considerations, you need a frame
that will compliment your image and enforce your message. For example, if you
have a strong black & white image of a natural scene, how does it look set in white
card with a dark wooden frame?

Have a go and experiment with your own images, first ask yourself what kind of
mood and message you want your photograph to give out. Try it in full colour,
black & white and Sepia. Each will have its own effect on the image.

John Threlfall is a self-taught photographer with a deep passion for nature
photography. John has a Masters Degree in ‘Creative Imaging’. His work can be
viewed at http://www.capturednature.com The images capture the pure simplistic, yet
breathtaking beauty that is hidden away in rural Britain.

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Take a photograph that is set up perfectly, composition, lighting, scale, its all right. You take the shot and feel pleased with the outcome, but how much personal emotion went into the shot?

This is a question you should ask yourself every time you press the shutter down.
For human emotion is a powerful tool to equip your images with. It avoids images
taken without reason or understanding. It evokes feelings and emotions within the
viewer of the photograph, and it gives the image a much greater level of meaning.

As a nature photographer, any image I take has been the result of an instinctive feel
for the environment being shot. We all know that feeling you get when you reach
the summit of a mountain, or when you step into the warm sea for the first time.
Something within gives you a great satisfaction, a buzz that you cannot keep hold
off. How incredible would it be to find a photograph that could capture that feeling
and record it within an image? An image that unleashes these very emotions when
viewed. This however is no easy task. It requires a photographer that is sensitive to
their surroundings and understating of their subject. The images do not require
being laboured over, for it should be instinctive, driven by the emotion of the taker.
If it feels right, take the shot.

Of course, not everyone will see in an image what you see, and will not feel what
you feel. This is unavoidable, but you do take away some of the static feel that can
suffocate a photograph. Make your photos exciting, make them feel alive, make
them look real, and most of all, equip them with emotions.

John Threlfall is a self-taught photographer with a deep passion for nature
photography. With an upbringing in the countryside, John strives to capture his
feelings and emotions within his images. John has a Masters
Degree in ‘Creative Imaging’. His work can be viewed at http://www.capturednature.com
The images capture the pure simplistic, yet breathtaking beauty that is hidden away
in rural Britain.

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