Is Landscape Photography Really Fine Art?
It happens to me a lot. A potential buyer comes in to my gallery (I have many different artists, in several mediums), and then tells me on how they like painting, or sculpture, or {enter media here} more than photography. They say, "I mean all they do it point the camera and push the shutter. HA!
Photography is an Art
If you doubt me, go try to take great image that will sell to others. I don't understand why I its required for me to argue this point with people, but I find I'm doing it way more than I should. Photography is more than recording the scene as you see it. Anyone can go to swinging bridge in Yosemite Valley and snap a photo of Half Dome. Only the best photographers have the persistence, the understanding, and the expertise to make a photograph from that view that qualifies as a work of art. Don't trust me? Try it.
The principles of Art are critical to a great photograph
These values are not unique to photography, but have been around for Thousands of years. The Romans were using them in their architecture, Da Vinci used them in the Mona Lisa. Renior, Monet, Pollack, they all used them. Every famous work of art has these in common, and photography is no exception. Composition, line, shape, balance, the golden mean; if you don't understand them, and want to make amazing images, go learn them, and then learn how to include them into your imagery. You will see a colossal change in your photographs when you do.
The skill and craftsmanship necessary in Photography is subtler, but just as important
"But it takes so much expertise and aptitude for a artist to refine his skill!" It does, but no less than a photographer's. The photographer begins creating his ultimate print before he ever takes the picture. He studies the color and contrast in the image, and visualizes what his definitive work of art will look like. Photoshop makes the process less difficult than the darkroom, but is it just as important as it was 20 or 30 years ago.
To all the supporters of Fine Art Photography out there, I congratulate you for understanding the genius inherent in a great image. I express gratitude to you for supporting those photographers who take hold of that moment to bring you their version of beauty. Photographers: keep shooting and keep refining your art. Keep on presenting us with beautiful photographs. To everyone else: Go try it yourself. Get past just taking pictures at roadside viewpoints and try to us something different, show us the world in a way that only you see it.
Tony Spiker is a Landscape Photographer in the Lake Tahoe Basin. He picked up photography in the United States Navy (Where he still serves in the Reserves as a Combat Cameraman) and he continues his passion by creating art in the norther Sierra's. Click here to see more of Tony Spiker's incredible work and read more of his articles!
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