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Anyone with a camera can be a photographer these days. The digital world has changed the industry, including the way people take photos, as well as the number of individuals shooting them.
But, digital photography is just one of the many types of photography. Whether you are doing it professionally or casually, you already know why it is important to learn and practice the different kinds.
This is most especially true for photographers who want to spruce up their respective portfolios. If you are one of them, and you are looking toward starting fine art photography, then you have come to the right place.
All About Fine Art Photography
Fine art photography has a specific characteristic that differs vastly from other fields of photography. The photographer is an artist first, and a photographer second. As it happens, in this type, photographers do not only record a subject, and all other varying elements, digitally, using a camera.
Using cameras to take photos and document what is exactly happening before your eyes usually fall into the “photo-journalism” category. In fine art photography, the case is far different. This is because it is all about the artist and not the subject.
It focuses on capturing a subject depending on how the artist sees it. Accordingly, the camera is just one of the many tools to create a work of art and portray the emotions of the photographer.
If you are looking for some great examples, Dhaval Patel Photography houses some of them.
Tips on How To Do Fine Art Photography
Ready to get started? Here are some of the most useful tips for beginners in the field of fine art photography:
Look For Some Inspiration
Considering fine art photography relies heavily on abstract and subjective elements, you, as the photographer, should go look first for some inspiration. Before heading out or preparing for your shoot, ensure to already have an idea for the entire composition.
As it happens, experts assert that looking for and having an idea is the first step to do for fine art photography. Accordingly, searching for some inspiration will help you get started.
You may want to list down all the things in your mind. This may help you find what you are looking for, and even lead you to the best idea for your shoot.
Find a Location with Meaning
If you already have some inspirations, the next thing to do is to decide whether your ideas will be best conveyed by a specific subject or a location. While you may opt for both, you may want to start with finding a location with meaning.
Make sure, however, that the area or space will go in tune with your overall desired composition. Also, keep in mind that the place or setting of the shoot will impact the entire output.
Think in Black and White
Black and white are fairly common in fine art photography. If you are planning to do a set for this kind of composition, you should have a mindset that centers on these hues.
It is worth noting that, when focusing on black and white, considering that the output lacks color, the highlight will be on the elements of the composition. This means that there will be more focus on the lighting and contrast.
Spend Some Time Tweaking
Upon shooting, you will want to spend some time tweaking the raw photos. As noted, fine art photography is not about capturing or documenting your subject as it is. It is about your emotions and feelings, and how you will convey those things into your output.
Hence, you should get to know, as well, some more other tools and instruments that will help you in tweaking the raw photos. Whether it may be apps or software programs, these platforms will help.
Use Shutter Speed to Alter Reality
Altering reality is the basis of fine art photography. You have to have control over it for it to become an art.
As quoted from the well-known photographer, Ansel Adams, “art implies control of reality, for reality itself possesses no sense of the aesthetic. Photography becomes art when certain controls are applied.”
One of the things that you can do to place control is by using shutter speed. A fast rating, like 1/200 of a second, could freeze a motion.
Using this technique can alter scenarios and events, which can then provide specific meanings.
Final Thoughts
There are several techniques that you may apply to produce output that falls under the fine art category in photography. These are only some of them, and you will come across or learn more as you go through them first-hand. But, one of the best that you can do is to learn from other photographers and experts.
You may also train with them or learn the theoretical aspects of this field through formal or crash lessons. Whatever you choose, though, they will help you get started.
Mike Khorev earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, as well as a Master of Science, from the University of Toronto. He provides exceptional patient care by investing time in getting to know his patients, easing their concerns, and providing practical ways for improving their dental health.