What is Fine Art Photography? Am I a Fine Art Photographer?

For me, photographs fall under the category of fine art when the thought process behind creating the shot transcends the actual subject matter. For example a photograph of an apple could be just that; a straight ahead photograph of an apple. Alternatively for example, the photograph could depict water droplets on the surface of the apple, each droplet having a reflection of an apple on it's surface, each of which has fine water droplets, each of which has a reflection of an apple on it's surface and so on ad finitum. The photographers intention in creating such a photo might be to depict the cycle of life and the important part that water plays in that cycle; that would place the photograph within the realm of fine art.

I wonder, based on some of this discussion, could we say, "What is done in camera, is photography, and what is done in Photoshop, Lightroom, or the darkroom, that is fine art?"

It’s all about the intent and vision of the creator. The word “fine” doesn’t have anything to do with quality or you liking the image. You had it at the beginning when you recognized the difference between documentary and product or commercial photography. It’s also not about technique or subject. Most portraits aren’t fine art, not because they aren’t beautiful, but because the creation of the portrait was for the purpose of filling a commercial request. You could also use a person as a subject to create a fine art piece. Just like with any art type of artist you could be a fine art photographer whose work isn’t considered good or interesting by most people. For some reason a lot of people think art has to look or be a certain way to be considered art and photography suffers from this more than most forms of art, probably because the technical aspects of it make it more approachable than most other art forms. Just think of how many artists have existed whose work was called inferior or worthless or trash until eventually being seen as revolutionary or groundbreaking. All this to say, don’t get hung up on labels. If you’re creating something to not only fulfill someone’s commercial need but to fulfill your own creative need to take your vision and story and message and express it it’s art. If it is made to fulfill both a commercial and aesthetic need it’s still art. It may or may not be considered good by you or anyone else but that doesn’t matter. If the creation of the art isn’t intended to be functional, but is meant to exist solely for it’s aesthetic merit and to share your message or vision it’s fine art. If that piece doesn’t sell that doesn’t mean it isn’t fine art, it’s just fine art that doesn’t sell. Just ask Vincent Van Gogh. He created over 2000 paintings in his lifetime, died a commercial failure, and remained unrecognized as the artistic genius he was for decades after his death. This failure to recognize art and artists isn’t at all uncommon and happens in all genres of art. Gauguin, Emily Dickinson, Frank Kafka, Edgar Allen Poe, JS Bach; all brilliant artists who were largely ignored and unrecognized for their art in their lifetimes. Even in the short history of photography you can look at Vivian Maier or Julia Margaret Cameron. So, try not to get hung up on if something you create is art or not, or if it’s fine-art. There’s no test, no set of strict guidelines that must be followed to make something fine-art. If there was that’s about the only thing that would keep it from being art. Whether or not you think a piece is good; now that’s totally up to your taste.

I'm of the opinion that you aren't a fine art photographer unless you print and frame your own work. Borrowing from the idea of Chinese and Japanese Sumi painters, I do not consider a picture complete unless it is mounted and finished on paper. The intent of an artist goes well beyond the idea of just an image or pretty picture. What sort of paper did they choose, what medium is it presented in, is it a clean matted picture with a conservative frame or is it the extreme opposite. Is the matte boarder massive creating a sense of isolation of an intimate detail shot? Things like that; this is intent and is just one of the many tools an artist can use to convey a message. Personally, I have begun to just call myself a "visual artist and printmaker" only for the fact that I enjoy painting, and printmaking; photography for me has just become another tool in the box.

I think your definitions are fairly spot on, Jim. I've been an artist all my life, in various media, including photography, and I've been doing photography since 1971. I just had a small exhibition of my photography, in October (2018). I've always been pursuing photography from a fine art persepective. I have a degree in art (graphic design, the influence of which comes through in my compositions, sometimes). Check out my work here on YouTube in my channel, or have a look at my portfolio I maintain on https://www.viewbug.com/member/GaryRea or just do a Google search for "Gary Rea photography" and see what you think.

Really nice keep on, have a look out post are also dance and please if and you can subscribe!💜😎

Just started night painting and watched a photographer do some photo stacking in lightroom using 8 or 9 photos into one.can this be done in luminar?

Great video and discussion, Jim. Hallstatt is definitely a place where fine art photography is possible. I think your composition and edit of this one is definitely fine art. If you zoom in to that third floor balcony on the hotel on the right, you might see Elizabeth and I having a glass of wine. What a wonderful place. Keep up the good work, mate.

Another great video Jim !! Ive thought a lot about that too.!!

If everyone can do it, it is not art. If only a few can do it, it begins to be art. But I have seen a lot of "art" that I did'nt like at all. Is it art then? Well, not to me at least, even I could'nt do it myself. So in perspection of art as it is understood my most, I believe, it highly depends on the eyes that see, and personal taste. For instance in the beginning of the 1990's there was theese terrible cameras named Lomo, and some folks made "lomographies" and called it art – unsharp – faded – colorcasted pictures. I never thought that was art. You probably remember that trend.

Jim Fine Art – heck I don't know either but I sure as heck like the photo and results of the work. Great job! Points out again for me other videos that I need to study. Where are your presets to purchase? And have you done a video on making a background pure black via a mask etc.?