Is all photography art? Some can argue that it is. But let’s face it, not every picture of your Sunday dinner, your dog or your Aunt Sylvia is going to be considered artistic.

Art is defined as “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”

The key here is that in order to qualify as art, photography has to touch us on an emotional level, and that would go beyond making us laugh, smile or think, hmmm, that casserole looks really good.

If you are a photographer who has been working on your craft and are wondering if your photos are Fine Art, or if you want to know what to you can do to create photos that would be considered fine art, here are some tips.

What is Fine Art Photography?

Fine art photography cannot be clearly defined, but you know it when you see it. It typically has details, composition and meaning that makes it stand out from simple snapshots. It may include optical illusions, carefully placed objects or heavily edited effects.

The subject of a fine art photograph can be simple. It can be a leaf or a flower. But the way the photo is taken will give you the distinct impression that you are viewing modern art.

Are My Photos Fine Art?

If you’re not sure if your photos would be considered fine art, here are a few things to ask yourself.

·        How does the photo make me feel? Your photos should evoke emotions that go beyond a simple laugh or smile.

·        How long did it take me to plan this photo shoot? Fine art photos can be taken in mere seconds, but the shoot will typically take some planning to produce the intended effect.

·        What’s the lighting like? Fine art photography doesn’t have to play by the rules when it comes to lighting, but the light will usually be moody to convey the intended emotions.

How Can I Make My Photos Fine Art?

If your photos aren’t ticking off all the fine art boxes, there are things you can do to elevate them so they are more suited to the category. Here are some tips.

Look at Other Fine Art Photographers: Browse the work of fine art photographers. Consider the techniques they use, their subject matter and how they make you feel. Integrate these strategies into your shoots in a way that makes them your own.

Use Moody Lighting: The lighting in your photo will go a long way in producing the right emotional effect. You don’t have to have expensive lights to get the look you are going for. Shooting at the right time of day and shifting objects to get the certain shadows and reflections will do the trick.

Play with Colors: Rich vibrant colors, dramatic dark shades, soft pastels, these can all be used to produce a great artistic look. If you aren’t finding the colors you need in nature, editing can do wonders.

Use Simple Backgrounds: if you want to draw attention to the object you are focusing on, avoid backgrounds that are overly busy. A stark blue or cloudy sky is ideal. A plain painted room will also work to keep your subject in the spotlight.

Focus on Patterns: Intricate patterns can also be the focus of fine art photography. These can be found in nature, architecture and just about anywhere you look.

Experiment with Angles: Unusual angles can change the vibe of what you are photographing. A simple rotation can change an everyday picture into a piece of, well, fine art of course.

This article provides you with a better understanding of what fine art photography is. It includes information on how you can elevate your work so it would be considered fine art. What steps will you be taking to make your pieces connect on an emotional level? 

Read more of a Conversation about Art or Shop Now at Schmidt Fine Art Gallery