Fine art photography | A quick guide about the art form

 

What is fine art photography?

Fine art photography is fundamentally different from standard photography. Here, the clicking technique is more concerned with how the artist thinks and perceives the subjects. You and I can direct the camera at a tree and capture a frame. But to make something out of the stagnant tree, something different from everyday perceptions is what a fine art photographer does. In simpler terms, a fine art photograph should evoke a certain feeling or string of emotions in you. 

Genres of fine art photography

To understand this form of photography, you first have to learn about its genres. Why? Because, to develop the skills of a fine art photographer, you need clarity on what interests you. Here are the types of fine art photography that you should know of-

1. Fine art portrait photography

As said above, this art form wholly depends on the artistic worldview of the photographer. Fine art portrait photography is not different. A typical portrait would showcase a person, or perhaps a child, smiling. In fine art, the artist sets the scene to reflect their ideas in the final portrait. For instance, they can use a solid color background to enhance the emotions of the portrait, and so on.

2. Black and white photography

Nowadays, black and white pictures have become a hit! Thanks to Instagram and Snapchat filters, clicking a B&W picture is now easy. However, viewing the subject in grey tones, in the dichotomic solar scheme, and making something out of it – that’s what fine art B&W photography is all about. Knowing what to capture and what to leave is a prime factor if you want to take up this style.

3. Fine art still photography

Another branch of the fine art portrait clicks is fine art still photography. Here, the composition becomes the key while the photographer transfigures a painter from 15th century Europe. Instead of living things, the artist creates a world around a plain bowl of fruits.

4. Nature and landscape fine art photography

As noted, nature and landscape photography are among the most loved forms of capturing moments. However, with images taken from the perspective of nature and landscape fine art photography, you will feel like they are taken from a movie like ‘Avatar’! The vibrancy of colors adds a magical tinge to all these images, which is what makes it so mesmerizing. 

6. Film photography

Film photography has been coming back in a big way in the past few years. While discussing fine art photography, a common misconception is that images on film cannot be beautiful or are old-school. However, that’s a myth to be debunked. Fine art film photography is characterized by soothing images that embrace a vintage grain effect. It not only expresses technical knowledge but also creative vision.

Five ways to kickstart your fine art photography career

1. Build a strong portfolio

A strong portfolio is always of great help. Your portfolio helps you keep a record of your work and helps employers and academic institutions glance through your work seamlessly.

Sometimes, having a couple of images may not be enough. Try ideating concepts conducive to short photo stories – 10 to 15 pictures that weave a story. This way, you can tinker around with different ideas and find your style. 

2. Follow professionals for inspiration

We all have our role models or people we look up to for guidance and inspiration. Writers have Kazuo Ishiguro; footballers have Lionel Messi; entrepreneurs have Ratan Tata. Naturally, budding fine art photographers can surely follow several fine art photographers who have created images par excellence.

Annie Leibovitz is a renowned artist known for her portraits of celebrities that stand the test of time. You can study the work of people like her, who had once started just like you. With social media at your disposal, ensure to follow your role models.

3. Enroll yourself in a course

A degree is not a necessity for mastering fine art photography. But formal education can help you understand fine art photography techniques better. Here are some top institutions offering the courses in photography-

• Zurich University of the Arts (Switzerland)
• Tokyo Polytechnic University (Japan)
• Speos International Photography School (France)

4. Display your work at exhibitions

While displaying your work at exhibitions, you have to ensure a few things like-

Location

• Firstly, choosing the right location is quintessential. 
• As a beginner, you can look into your local cafes and gyms with some space on their walls or vacant areas on their premises. 
• Once you have curated several exhibitions at a small scale, you can then move on to galleries where the real magic happens.

Type of exhibition

• Secondly, decide if you want to opt for a group exhibition or a solo one. 
• While a solo one will undoubtedly be a matter of pride, being a part of a group exhibition will help you learn the ways of the art world. 
• Once you have enough experience and connections with the right people, you will be ready for your show.

5. Sell your work online

With the rise in the power of social media and the internet in general, the question “How to sell fine art photography online?” answers itself-

• There are a lot of websites that play the role of virtual markets. You can look into these and upload your work for sale.
• Additionally, you can create a photography page on Instagram, Pinterest, and even Behance. Promote your work on your pages and see wonders happen.

Key takeaways

From this blog article, we can conclude that –

• Fine art photography is one of the most creative forms of photography. 
• Each genre of this photography is different, yet unites on certain aspects. 
• Moreover, someone with a knack for this line can very well turn their hobby into a full-time career. 
• Follow the tips given here and kickstart your career as a fine art photographer.

Liked this blog? Read: Top 5 cheapest countries to study abroad!

FAQs

Question 1: What kind of equipment do I need for fine art photography?

Answer: Honestly, you can shoot excellent pictures on any good device – from your mobile phone to an expensive camera. It really depends on your style of clicking. Look for equipment only when you have grasped the concept of the art and want to delve deeper into its many styles.

Question 2: Is post-processing needed in fine art photography?

Answer: Since this art form is all about bringing the photographer’s idea to the fore, a certain amount of post-processing will surely help the cause.

Question 3: What are the things to keep in mind before taking a fine art photograph?

Answer: You need to make sure that you have chosen a subject that will intrigue the viewer. Stay true to your perspective. Also, remember to have a plan of action. Simply put, other factors should not influence your vision.