Is Photography Really Art?
by: Brock Levinson

Is Photography Really Art

I guess it really depends on who you ask that question to but for me and many other photographers around the world, the answer is a resounding YES!

Many people regard photography as merely a reproductive medium, and the photographer as simply the technician.  If we were just talking about Christmas and vacation photos then it would be a valid point.  Here’s a quote that helps give perspective to our question:

         “There are three fundamental components of

           what we call art.  First, is the artist; second,

           is the medium; and third is the artwork.  All

           three, clearly are interrelated.”

                       ---Tad Beckman---

If we were to ask that question to some of the past great photographers such as Ansel Adams, Alfred Stieglitz, Dorothea Lange or Eugene Smith, I doubt that we would receive any answer other than yes, they believe photography is an art.  For professionals such as these photographers, photography was not only art, it was a form of expression, it was a way of life, and it was even a career.

As for the serious amateur photographers such as me, we view photography as a form of visual expression of the way we view life.

Photographic Art Defined

So let’s start with my definition of photographic art.  I say “my definition” because there is no stock answer and it means different things to different people.

As a serious amateur, photography is my form of visual expression of the way I view and capture life and the scene on film, rather than just a recording of what is already there.

The photographer must bring to his work an attitude different from that of the painter or the sculptor.  The painter or sculptor can modify or alter part of his vision during the course of his work, but the photographer can not.  He must accept or reject what he sees before the photograph is made.

The photographer has to be a choreographer of the various components; the composition is critical, the lighting, weather conditions, and the colors at play.  It is not just the technical mastery of your equipment, but the ability to be patient, develop creative timing, and endure the elements in order to create an image.

The photographer’s visual process is based upon selection, not construction.  It is this combination of challenges and techniques that results in the creative representation of how the photographer interprets our world.

The Photograph

Many early photographers thought the photograph could serve as a substitute for the written word.  However, their efforts were largely unsuccessful, because a photograph is not a narrative.

In photography, a photographer can and will create something that is passionate and close to them which reveals a little of themselves in the image.

As a photographer projects more of his personality and grows professionally, his work is viewed by collectors as a piece of history or designer art.

Even though photography is viewed as an art form, it is also considered a means of recording a story or an event.  I personally do not believe there are many photographers today who approach photography as a true art form.  Photography has evolved into the news media and advertiser’s primary form of communication with very little concern or care for the art form.

Does Subject Matter?

Again, the answer to this question will depend on who you ask.  Everyone has different likes and dislikes with regards to style.  Some people will be drawn to a particular image because they have seen something they liked about your style or subject matter.

My preference is nature, landscapes, and sports photography.  I think the key to preserving artistic integrity is to shoot for your own personal satisfaction.  I still experiment and search for new subject matter, but my photographic style is a projection of how or what I see.  My style is what I consider an evolution of change.

Artistic Perspective

If you are interested in building a reputation and selling your work, then naturally you will need to develop an understanding of what collectors want.  Of course, keep in mind that once you start creating images for others to buy, it is easy to loose your sense of artistic perspective and commercialization can alter your style of photography.

My suggestion is to remember what your passions are and what you have developed as your photographic style.  Photography is not viewed by everyone the same way.  Some people view photography as easy as point and shoot while others see that there is more depth to the true artistic style of creating images.

Some people may view a collection of objects as junk, whereas others may see it as an artistic expression of oneself.  As far as this author is concerned, I suggest that you create images that are pleasing and passionate to you.  And then leave the interpretation of your photography up to the viewer to decide if they see it as art.

As long as it’s your creation and you view it as art, then IT IS ART !!

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About The Author

Brock Levinson is a serious amateur photographer and the webmaster of http://www.fgaphotography.com

FGAPhotography is one of the best photography resources on the internet.