A Fine Art Photograph

Another term freely tossed about by self proclaimed photographers and artists is "fine art." Does it mean anything or is it just more hype to confuse the buying public?

Unfortunately, for the most part it is another term that once had real meaning but now is heavily abused by anyone trying to sell their products. At one time it did have a singular and important meaning and it is with a nod to that tradition that I use the term with my work.

Fine art photographs are those created by the artist purely to satisfy their own vision and in pursuit of their personal creative intent. Fine words you say, but what do they mean? All serious artists have honed their craft to a fine edge and in that process expose their creative intent. This is typically a singular vision that sometimes is referred to as the artist's style. So a true photo-artist has committed their self to the craft of photography and follow their passion for that craft without any ties to a product. In that way and that way alone are they free to create without outside influences. The result of this commitment is fine art.

So if my goal were to produce calendars, books, magazine ads, news stories, travel stories, stock photography, and so on---these are not fine art photographs. The work is created to sell in those market places and as such become subject to a set of rules of acceptability and utility for that market. Clearly this work is not springing from the pool of pure personal creative vision.

A quick search on "fine art photography" on a major search will produce several million results, with many of them being galleries. These days most galleries are not that different from used car dealers. They will use any trick in the book to sell you something. The question is does the work have that mysterious something that gives it a life of its own and in turn will bring something positive to your life? That mysterious something typically springs from the intent or creative spirit of the artist and most galleries just want to sell you something, anything...

I recognize that for some of you this seems like an insignificant distinction. You have been brainwashed by modern marketing executives into believing that "image is everything" and that it is the final product/results that matter. Here I am asking you to slow down and think for yourself for a moment. To consider the possibility that good art has a purpose of its own. A purpose beyond commercial endeavors. That if you take the journey down that path you just might find your life enriched.

My only reason for creating these photographs is the photograph itself. That is, does it express my vision and intent at the moment of its creation. Does it feed my creative spirit?