Have you ever felt confused about the form of photography termed “fine art photography? Are you struggling to understand what this form of photography entails and how to start it? Then you have come to the right place.
This article will be well-detailed and comprehensive. You will learn the meaning of fine art photography and how to start it with little or no experience. You will also learn how to become a professional in this niche and start monetizing your skills (if you want).
However, note that you must be determined and consistent to gain mastery in fine art photography. Like every other form of photography, fine art photography can be challenging because of its numerous requirements. Nevertheless, we have provided some professional tips and ideas to smoothen your journey into this aspect of capturing art subjects.
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What Is Fine Art Photography?
Fine art photography is a type of photography that involves capturing art objects/works and the beauty and complexity of the world. It is also known as artistic or creative photography. Fine art photographers can engage in this niche of photography for either commercial purposes or artistic ends, such as painting, sculpture, and other forms of visual media.
Fine art photos are pictures created purely from aesthetic or creative imaginations. The photographs reveal the artist’s unique emotions, feelings, thoughts, level of creativity, and message. They do not serve a commercial purpose. Instead, the pictures serve as a medium for expressing the artist’s ideas.
I’m Glad You’re Here! Photography is a fascinating art form that allows us to capture and preserve moments beyond imagination in time. However, for beginners and amateurs, getting started with photography can be intimidating, especially when it comes to choosing and using the equipment and techniques to follow.
Click below to read a comprehensive article for beginners to master the basics of capturing moments beyond imagination.
Fine art photography differs from documentary photography, cosplay photography, product photography, and other photography styles. Let’s look at the differences.
What Is The Difference Between Everyday Photography And Fine Art Photography?
Everyday photography involves capturing images and moments with digital cameras or smartphones for commercial or recreational purposes. But, fine art photography focuses on capturing creative expressions to tell abstract stories. It is often more conceptual and less about the composition of an image or what it captures.
These days, technology has given everyone, even children, cameras on their smartphones. So, almost everyone can take photos. However, there is a significant distinction between image qualities. Regardless, the widespread of cameras has widened the scope of photography.
Thus, it is hard to narrow down what everyday photography entails and what the photographers do. Nevertheless, there is a significant disparity between fine art photographers and everyday or casual photographers.
What Are The Differences Between Casual or Commercial Photographers And Fine Art Photographers?
Many types of commercial or casual photographers are not considered fine art photographers. Fine art photographers serve as bridges between art and photography. They work or partner with artists to create transformational art adventures or experiences that creatively engage people and foster the development of art industries in the communities.
On the other hand, commercial photographers are more income-driven and not niche-based. They can partner with different brands to promote or advertise products and services, mainly for income generations. Therefore, fine art photography also differs from commercial photography.
You might be interested in our article on How To Take Pictures Of Products At Home? Like A Professional Photographer.
How Does Fine Art Photography Differ From Commercial Photography?
Fine art photographs are not for commercial purposes. Instead, they are to express the artist’s innovations or visions and engage the audience to foster artistic growth and transformation. However, commercial photography is more about the products and how customers perceive them.
While commercial photography seeks to promote products and services of different brands, fine art photography offers a nexus of creative engagement to close the gaps between arts, artists, and communities. Fine art photography employs the same techniques or principles as other art forms like sculpture and paintings. It may also be present in different immersive art installations and mixed media.
Note: Many striking or engaging photographs are not artworks. Adverts, passport photos, news, or journalistic photography are not artworks. Family or personal photography, such as mirror selfies, camping photos, beach photos, everyday selfies, and family portraits, are not artworks.
Even cosplay and carnival photography are not fine art photography. You should also note that photographing artworks for reproduction or sale is a commercial form of photography, not fine art photography.
You might be interested in our article How Do You Photograph Large Size Paintings? For Reproduction Or Online Sales. You can also learn about cosplay photography in our article What Is Cosplay Photography? How To Do It? Ideas Included.
What Are Some Examples Of Fine Art Photography?
The works of many prominent artists are great examples of fine art photography. Having outlined what are not artworks or fine art photography, here are some famous fine artworks.
Examples include:
1. “Pond” by Edward Steichen (1930)
2. “Trees” by Ansel Adams (1942)
3. “Bubbles in Tea” by Ralph Gibson (1973)
4. “Milk Drop Coronet” by Harold Edgerton (1957)
5. “Rose and Driftwood” by Ansel Adams (1932)
6. “Immersions” (Piss Christ) by Andres Serrano (1987)
7. “Leda Atomic” by Salvador Dalí (1949)
8. “Dalí Atomicus” by Philippe Halsman (1949)
9. “Brian Ridley and Lyle Heeter” by Robert Mapplethorpe (1979)
10. “Le Violon d’Ingres” by Man Ray (1924)
What Are The Types Of Fine Art Photography?
Fine art photography is not all about artworks. Other forms of fine art photography you can try include:
1. Still life photography
Still-life photography is a genre of art photography focused on inanimate objects. It is a type of photography that captures the beauty of ordinary things like rocks, hairbrushes, sunglasses, and papers.
A still-life photographer will often use props and other items to create an aesthetic, which can be used to evoke feelings in the viewer. Compared to other forms of photographic art, still life photography is generally easier to learn and requires less equipment. The genre can often be seen in food photography, commercial, and fashion photography.
2. Landscape photography
Landscape photography is a type of photography that captures the beauty of nature. Landscape photographers usually take pictures outdoors, which means they are free to roam and capture stunning natural scenes.
Landscape photography is an art form that has been around for decades. It has evolved from a simple hobby to a profession with many different sub-categories including but not limited to travel, environmental, and architecture photography.
3. Abstract photography
Abstract photography is a genre of art photography that uses abstract shapes and lines to create a composition. It is done using various techniques, such as collage, painting, drawing, or digital manipulation.
Abstract photography is not just about capturing what we see in the world around us. It also captures our imagination and perspective on life events, feelings, and emotions. Abstract photographers can take an ordinary object like an apple or flower and turn it into something unique through their lens.
4. Portrait photography
Portrait photography is the art of capturing the personality and likeness of people by using artistic props, backdrops, lighting, and posing styles. It involves capturing and memorizing the inherent character of your subject for the future.
You can learn more about artistic portrait photography in our article on How To Shoot Winter/Snow Portrait Photography? Tips And Ideas.
5. Architecture photography
Architecture photography is another form of photography that captures the beauty of buildings, structures, and landscapes. It can be used to capture the buildings in a historical context or show how new architecture has changed the landscape.
Architecture photography is also used for marketing purposes. It can be used to promote real estate properties or as part of an architectural design process. However, asserters have classified architecture photography as a non-art because it involves capturing existing artistic inventions.
6. Documentary photography
Documentary photography is a form of fine art photography that capture moments of truth about social, cultural, or political issues. It is a way to document what has happened and show it to the public.
Documentary photos are usually not staged or posed but instead capture real-life moments. Documentary photographers often capture these pictures in areas like slums, refugee camps, and other places where people live in poverty. Some documentary photographers are known to have taken photos of people who have died during wars or natural disasters because they want to document what has happened.
Some other forms of fine art photography you can try include:
- Black and white photography
- Night photography
- Long exposure photography
- Hard light photography
- silhouette photography
How To Start Fine Art Photography?
Anyone can start and become a successful fine art photographer. However, they will need to understand the complete basics of photography. Many successful fine art photographers underwent formal photography training. They also learned the basics of both analog and digital art photography and other developmental techniques.
There are many elementary basics in photography, but exposure is one of the most vital. Others include lighting, composition, and your subject. In addition to learning the basics, you should also envision what the artworks will look like and the messages they will convey to the viewers. Fine art photography should be able to create stimulating effects in the observers.
You might want to start learning the basics by beginning with our article All Camera Features You Should Know In Your DSLR Camera.
What Are The Equipment Needed For Fine Art Photography?
A camera is the most crucial piece of equipment for any photographer. A digital camera with a satisfactory sensor and lens will provide the best experience for fine art photography.
The other equipment needed for fine art photography include
1. Tripod
A tripod allows fine art photographers to stabilize the camera to avoid blurry photos. It also helps in low light conditions and when taking long exposure shots.
2. Good Lenses
You will need a good camera lens to change the focal length of the pictures.
3. Filters
Filters allow you to change how light interacts with a scene and create or capture dreamy art photographs.
You can learn more about filters in our article Are ND filters good for photography? When should you use an ND filter on a camera?. You can also find the best filters in our article What is a photographic filter? Best filters for photography in 2022.
Professional Fine Art Photography Tips
Here are some pro tips for anyone interested in fine art photography:
1. Research and study the works of successful art photographers.
2. Discover the message you’d like your artwork to convey to the viewers.
3. Experiment with color and lighting.
4. Envision your artwork in detail before starting.
5. Edit your work with the right editing software.
6. Your work should be unique and easy to comprehend.
7. Apply for art grants.
8. Outline and understand the strategies you’d like to employ for the job. The two primary approaches are digital and analog.
9. Choose your location wisely.
10. Build a great portfolio and links.
Professional Fine Art Photography Ideas
Fine art photography is a unique, creative, and personal form of photography. Influential fine art photographers and artists brilliantly convey their original creative ideas through their art images. Therefore, we recommend that you rely on your visions and ideas. That is the only way you can create groundbreaking new art photographs. So, think of unique things that you can create.
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Quick Camera Settings For Fine Art Photography
- ISO – 100 to 400
- Aperture – f/8 to f/11
- Shutter speed – 30 to 50 seconds
- White balance – Auto
- Shooting mode – Manual
- File format – RAW
FAQs
How Do I Get Grant For Fine Art Photography?
The grant for fine art photography is usually awarded to artists with a proven track record of success. The grants can be awarded to art photographers in various forms, such as an unrestricted cash award, a loan of equipment or materials, or in-kind services. You can get these art grants from the National Endowment For The Arts, National Endowment for Humanities, and other federal agencies.
Note: To stand a chance, you should build a great portfolio of artworks and learn how to write good grant proposals.