Fine Art Photography

[hyphenate]

The concept is there, and some photographers have managed to take photography into the world of "art," even though it's been pretty much an art all along.

But then, in your own opinion, what constitutes "Fine Art Photography?" Is it the subject matter, which can often be perceived strictly as photojournalism? Is it the place where a photo can be taken? Is it the photographer's eye, and how they frame a photo? What IS "Fine Art" photography?

I ask because what might be a fine picture to some, might be unappealing to others? And is what you photograph something others might choose to frame and hang on their wall? There are many photographs which fall into what I've always called the "snapshot" file. But sometimes, such snapshots are clever enough to be more than just photos you insert into an album.

What kind of a venue are some photographs good enough for? A private gallery, where the pictures can attract a diverse audience? A slide show at home with friends and family? A digital slideshow that anyone can download?

I've wanted to make an attempt to sell some prints. But I'd like to get a idea of what would be the best ones to start out with, since it could get costly.

I appreciate your comments.

[CC]

1. Might take a while to answer because you gave

people a lot to think about. I am going to throw in another category, one a friend calls postcard photography. The same type picture you would find on postcards, note cards,cards and in gift shops.

Love your question and I have no answer off hand but will think on it.

[Blue_In_AK]

2. I could sell a TON of those,

the postcard shots, if I were just a little more motivated. Marketing just isn't my forte. I see postcards all the time that aren't nearly as good as my shots -- not to brag or anything, but it's the truth.

As for fine art, those shots only come along every now and then. I think they have to evoke an emotion to be considered real art. That's just my definition.

[CC]

3. So called postcard photos

is a joke to a small group of us here because the person that told a friend in a show that she took "postcard" photos was being arrogant about it and used it as a put down. Then someone came along and bought one of the "postcard photos" leaving the arrogant person's there. That person felt their work was much better and more appropriate for a show her photos were "fine art." It was neat in a way, beyond macro (used a microscope/camera hybrid) photos of some chemical process on something (cannot remember what) that looked like colorful rust straight in lines. Way modern art feel and you would of had to explain the whole thing to anyone that ask but was neat all the same.Even if the artist was an ass. Just wasn't selling at that art show at all while the postcard art of pretty places, people and things did.

I do post card photos if I get lucky. Yes Blue you probably do have lots of better photos, maybe HullBoss should start a marketing campaign for you?



Course back to what is fine art, thinking about that past incident I really have no answer. The invoking emotion in the viewer might be a part of it but then that is a part of photo journalism too. Or questions? I know a commercial photographer whose ad work crosses into fine art but is only done because a company hires him to do a product shoot. It may really be in the eye of the beholder.

[hippywife]

4. That really is what all art comes down to, isn't it?

It may really be in the eye of the beholder. :hi:

[Stevenmarc]

5. It's all about the ability to recognize, craft and capture an image.

It's also about understanding the business side of the art business.

You really can't totally worry about what is unappealing to others because the moment you make that a priority then you are making "snapshots" you have to be true to your aesthetic, that said, you have to know your market and if you shoot in a style that isn't going to see the light of day in a local gallery then you need to find a venue that appreciates it. For example, if you live in a beach community and you love to shoot rock concerts don't expect to see your work in galleries that have a plethora of seagulls and sunsets, however, if there is a bar in the same area that caters to the crowd that goes to concerts then approach the owner and see if you can hang a show there.

As far as venues, anywhere there is a wall is a possible venue, have a portfolio ready, you could walk into a restaurant or coffee shop and find a perfect opportunity to hang work. Get a website where you can direct people to an online portfolio and familiarize people to your brand. Donate a piece or two to a charity auction, this gives you some great feedback on value of you work to a specific audience and a possible future client base. Enter some juried shows, this gets your name out to curators and the arts community.

[Stevenmarc]

6. I thought this thread

would have gotten a little more traction, too bad it didn't.

[HarveyDarkey]

7. I think it all depends on the frame

An attempt (feeble) at humor

[Tindalos]

8. I've never understood the distinction between "fine art" and "commercial art"

I think it's a very artificial division that often reeks of snobbishness. As you point out, it depends on who's viewing the pictures. Styles of art change over time. Art that was very popular 100yr ago might be mocked today and art created today might be derided now but be hailed as genius in another 100yrs. No matter what your photographic style, there will always be someone who appreciates it. The hard part is connecting with those viewers.

Many small galleries, especially community galleries, and cafes will sell local artists' work on commission. You don't get much money from it but it's a good way to test the market. That way you can start as big or small as you want, figure out pricing, etc.

[Stevenmarc]

9. The distinction

Fine art is totally a product of the artists aesthetic and commercial art ultimately has to fit within the clients parameters.