What is Fine Art Photography? Kevin Holliday talks about ways to convert representational
photos into fine art photography by incorporating feelings and vision into images
through long exposure and post-processing techniques.
*Please scroll to the bottom of the post for more images from our guest.*
Episode 180
Artistic Vision in Fine Art Photography
with Kevin Holliday
“A photograph is very closely related to reality, whereas an image is based on something, typically a Vision coming from the artist.”
Fine Art with Vision
- Fine art is expressive photography: an outward representation of an inner emotion or feeling.
- Post processing is where you can transition from a representational, realistic photograph to an image where the connection to reality is removed.
- Working in series helps the Vision evolve and solidify.
- Series are also good for both galleries and collectors.
- Once the Vision is established, adding to the series becomes easier.“The power of seeing the whole series at once is what helps drive home the understanding of the Vision.”
Finding Your Vision
- Vision isn’t teachable, but it IS learnable.
- Your Vision is what you bring into your art from your life experiences, an emotional storytelling through images.
- Allow yourself to daydream.
- Look for inspiration in books, movies, music, and music videos.
- Look through your existing files. Gather like subjects together and look at them as a group. Visualize possibilities for creating images from this set of photographs.
- Think about your photography as a painter would.
- Sketch out an idea (scouting).
- Put down a base layer of paint (photographic capture).
- Make it all come together with details, light, and mood (post-processing). - Scouting is important.
- Look for angles and composition.
- Allow yourself time in the field to think. Be there and enjoy the moment.
- Allow your mind to mull over the possibilities even after you have left the location.
- Keep a journal of locations, sketches and ideas.
- Let your “aha!” moment happen naturally, don’t try to force it.
- Go back with intent when the sky is right.
Transition Away from Reality
- Long exposures allow for removal of visual clutter and help to create a more ethereal dreamscape.
- This technique has a big learning curve. It takes a thorough understanding of exposure and a lot of patience. - Learn what is possible in post-processing. Take this information with you into the field to help pre-visualize the aesthetic of the outcome.
- Convert to black and white. Masking and blending with several exposure layers (high key, low key and neutral) will allow you to manipulate light to exactly where you want it.
Mentioned on the Show
“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron
Finding Kevin
Episode 164 - Using Negative Space and Slow Shutter for Impact
Listen to the Understand Photography Show on iTunes: https://tinyurl.com/y66g545vTo leave us a review (we’d REALLY appreciate it!), click on LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS, then OPEN IN iTUNES.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-understand-photography-show/id1189377019#see-all/reviews
We Need Your Help!
If you’re enjoying The Understand Photography Show and would like to help us continue to bring you interesting and educational content, please consider making a donation.
Understand Photography
General Notes
What you need to learn for a solid photography education. Watch our free video:
https://understandphotography.leadpages.co/4-weeks-photography-education-video/
Upcoming Trips:
Understand Photography is a member of the Amazon Associates Program.
I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about photography
Gear Recommendation
of the Week
Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod
The Manfrotto 055 carbon fiber 3-section tripod delivers maximum rigidity from the lightest components. The 100% carbon fiber tubes and new Quick Power Lock (QPL) leg locking system maximizes the tripod’s rigidity and vibrational absorption, stabilizing camera equipment under any condition. The key feature is its 90° column, which allows the column to be extended vertically or horizontally. The horizontal column mechanism is housed within the tripod’s top casting for compactness, but it is easily and quickly extended whenever you need it. Switching between vertical and horizontal column orientation requires no disassembly, and can even be done with a camera attached.