Taking photographs is easy; anyone can do it. However, taking good photographs is a talent and skill. For some people, it comes naturally, for others it is a skill they study and learn the technical aspects of photography and how to product a pleasing photograph.
However, what many people do not realise is that the camera is just the tool the photographer uses as an artist to expresses what they see, visualise and want to express to others.
Just like any form of art, there are many styles of photography. Commercial is used to sell products. A photojournalist captures events unfolding to be published in the media. Portrait photographs are used for identification, passports, yearbooks, personal enjoyment, family albums, etc. Event / documentary photography documents the events and actions as they take place at weddings, and private and corporate functions and events in both candid and posed fashion. Fine art photography is like painting, or sculpting, but with a camera instead of a brush or clay as the artists tool.
Fine Art photographs are displayed in galleries, sold to art collectors, and displayed in public or private settings like other forms of art.
Another way fine art photography stands apart from the crowd is in intention. The intention of documentary photography is to catalogue the events taking place, while studio photography aims to capture the subjects in a more formal, posed manner - even if the poses are casual, it is not candid. Whereas the intention of fine art photography is to convey the creative expression of the artist, or a concept.
It is the equivalent of comparing "The Blue Boy" by Thomas Gainsborough to "Starry Night" by Van Gogh. Each artist wanted the viewer to see something, understand and feel something, but in completely different ways.
However, when the viewer looks at paintings, or a photograph, there are certain questions that help distinguish whether it is fine art, or not.
Is it a realistic representation of this person, object, or scene? Or has the artist manipulated how you view it through the use of lighting, lenses, angles, etc. so that you are viewing or perceiving this in a different way?
Does the image or images evoke a feeling or certain thoughts as you view it?
Does the image or images convey a message, raise questions, or perhaps provide an answer to some question or questions?
Does it confront you, make you question your opinions, beliefs, personal views on things?
Does it stir your mind and emotions in a positive, or even negative, way?
How the photographer expresses themselves with their tool is the difference between fine art photography and photographs.
The good thing about photography is that, unlike painting, drawing, sculpting or carving, the artist does not have to have skill and talent with their hands, as well as their mind. The fine art photographer's talent is in the way they perceive the world around them, and how they capture or create that view with the use of a camera.
It is worth noting, however, as with all things, there are always exceptions to the rule. Often a creative photographer of another form of photography will cross the boundaries and bring an element of fine art into their body of work. Fashion photographer Richard Avedon and portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz are prime examples of crossing into the fine arts arena.
Using a fine art photographer from IG Studio for your portraits, or even your wedding photography, creates a completely unique, artistic, highly personalised and unforgettable product you and your family can cherish. You want the best, you want IG Studio.
