As photographers, we often go to interesting places like concerts, parties and sporting events. Many photographers spend hours of the day working with others. It is common to see photographers interacting with people and asking the people they are photographing to move a little left or put their hands in a different position. On the surface, it seems that photographers are extroverts who love to travel.
Many photographers consider themselves introverts and the camera acts as a buffer between them and others. The camera is not really a conduit to facilitate human connection as it is a shield for the photographer to hide behind. But cameras can also help us connect with others through the photos we create. Even a documentary photographer shooting girls on the street reveals something about themselves through the subjects they choose to photograph. When they shoot in the subway, do they photograph the homeless in luck, or do they photograph the little girl sitting on her father’s lap, smiling as she looks out the subway car window? This selection reveals more about the photographer than the subway system.
Fine art photography can be classified under the name “fine art”, which can be defined as the visual art that is appreciated for its imaginative, aesthetic or intellectual content. However, fine art photography can be divided into two categories. First, as a tool for commercial photographers to create personal work, it allows them the freedom to be creative without consulting a creative brief written by others. Second, it can be viewed as a fine art medium in which the work is created without the input of the client, created for later purchase and collection by the art buyer. Regardless of the method a photographer pursues, they must be willing to delve deeply into their own emotions — both positive and negative in the artistic creation process.
I spoke with fine art photographer based in Frankfurt, Germany, Leigh Schneider, to better understand how she navigates the genre. “I am a conceptual art photographer and work as an artist, in the field of photography. I shot a dark iconic piece with a message of hope.”
Like many forms of photography, fine art photography has elements of self-expression, where the photographer has the opportunity to send a message to the world through their work. With no strings attached to the photographer by a commercial client, the photographer is free to choose what is captured and the story told by those images. A fine art photographer can look inward and express the photographer’s own experience. However, if we take a closer look, we can see that there is a deeper meaning to the content of the work. Leigh notes: “What if our freedom of artistic expression were combined with a cause? What if we used our skills and passion to reach the world? Then we can create work with a purpose outside of us.”
Many fine art photographers create individual images that are linked together to form a sequence with a basic theme or message. For Leigh, one of these projects was a series of photographs titled, “Beyond the Dark”. These images are linked through exploring different aspects of mental health.
I have worked for some time as a mental health support worker and have experienced firsthand the effects that mental illness and related topics can have. For this series, I wanted to cover topics related to mental health, with the aim of conveying a message of hope in each section.
There is no fixed formula for creating fine art. However, Leigh made this suggestion. “Identify a topic that is close to your heart and think about what you would like to say about that topic. You can then start connecting your message to your visual style. I usually start by taking notes whenever I have a specific thought that I think might be related to a concept in the future. I’ll refer back to those notes as I come up with an idea and start thinking about visual and symbolic elements that might be able to convey that idea. Then I sketch out the elements, poses and composition,” says Leigh.
Fine art photography can include many different styles. It can be anything from clear black and white portraits to fancy, unique works of art where the subject is unrecognizable. “There is an understanding that fine art photography as an artistic medium is connected with artistic expression, not as a commercial product or subject. You have creative control and define what you want to say and how you want to do it — where photography is a commercial tool to meet the needs of the client,” she says.
One reason for a photographer to pursue fine art photography is to give them an outlet for their creative vision. Imagine a photographer who loves to take analog photos in black and white. If this photographer is primarily focused on commercial work or even small client work, they may find themselves forcing their personal aesthetic into inappropriate projects. By taking the time to create work that pleases them, they have the freedom to create photos that meet the client’s vision, when they are paid to do so. If beautiful artwork catches the eye, the photographer may find that clients are especially looking for them to incorporate their vision into their clients’ projects. In this way, Fine Photography bridges the gap between the individual and the purpose, while allowing the photographer to reach people outside of them.
I worked with a creative agency that gave me a lot of artistic freedom. I was able to take their trademark characters and express them through my own creative vision, with a message that not only drives their story but also fits my own style.
Unlike commercial photography where there can be certain expectations when it comes to the product, in fine art photography the photographer is free to be creative and present the final images in any way. they choose. This could be in the form of 10 photos of 10 different people, but could also be as easily as 10 photos of the same person. A beginner fine art photographer should understand that the final project execution doesn’t have to be figured out before you start creating the initial images.
When I first started, I created personal works. And then as I move on, I begin to create multiple images that work together to form a complete work. The ‘Beyond the Shadows’ series was filmed over a three-year period, with other shots in between
While fine art photography usually doesn’t involve working with clients, art directors, and set designers, it’s important to have a strong connection with any models that may appear. appear in the picture. “With my artwork, I usually don’t create with a large group. Usually it’s just the model and myself. I’m a pretty independent person and felt that in the setting of filming, that allowed us to more easily get into the emotions of the work,” Leigh said.
Some photographers are delighted to know that their artistic photos are worth far beyond a simple cash transaction. If photographs are created in the hope of conveying a message, knowing that something important is being communicated through the photographs can be a bonus. A potential art buyer may appreciate that their purchase helps support an artist who is creating art with a purpose.
“Since the series ‘Beyond the Shadows’ deals with topics related to mental health, it was appropriate to connect the first screening of the work with a local mental health organization. So, the Quirky Fox Gallery in Hāwera, New Zealand and I have agreed to donate a portion of the profits to the crisis helpline, Lifeline Aotearoa. This connects the work’s purpose with a physical, real-world storefront and also allows collectors to join us. I love the idea that anyone who collects artwork can see it and not only see the work, but also know that they have also contributed to support someone,” Leigh said.
Gallery exhibitions are a prime outlet for fine art photography. If you want to display your work, research galleries in your area to find the ones that best match the work you create. “In general, galleries don’t like you visiting. Check out their website, read their detailed submission instructions, and follow them exactly. Typically, they will ask you for a brief introduction to the artist, artwork and images details, and a link to view your online portfolio.”
Regardless of which path you take for your fine art photography, the most important factor is actually picking up the camera and starting to take pictures. “Think about what is important and valuable to you. Think about what you love, or topics that are close to your heart and what you want to tell the world about them. There are likely to be other people connected with similar topics. That would be a starting point. From there, you can plan the theme and technical aspects, and think about how those elements might come together to tell that story.” she speaks.
Image by Leigh Schneider and used with permission.
