Fine art photography can be very fulfilling once you grasp the way to go about it. This is one form of photography where the beauty is in the details. There must be something which stands out in the photo and makes the people looking at it want to linger a little bit more. Once you master the do’s and don’ts of this form of photography, you will be one of the most accomplished photographers in no time.
The Do’s of Fine Art Photography
Have a goal: The main objective for fine art photography is to capture the attention of the person looking at the photo, by creating memorable images which evoke emotions.
- Develop your inner eye: To simplify this, it means you should start looking at things differently. Consider your surroundings as a piece of art which is yet to be discovered. Check out different items that touch on art and learn as much as you can on what makes some images stand out, compared to others.
- Keep practicing: The first images which you take may not be the best, but that does not mean that you are not a good photographer. Even the most established photographers of fine art will admit that it took them a while before they could finally get better shots.
- Know your camera: A proper camera has features which can be used to get the best shots. Understand your camera and know how to work around it. Get the right settings before you go on a shoot.
- Learn the composition guidelines: The fundamentals of photography dictate how a photo should be framed. In fine art photography, composition matters a lot. Always make sure the balance is right in every picture that you take.
The Don’ts of Fine Art Photography
If you really want to be a good photographer, do not:
- Compare yourself harshly with others: It will be unfair for you to keep putting yourself down, simply because your work is not as good as a photographer you admire. It is okay to look for inspiration from others, but do not obsess over it.
- Misuse technology: Some people wrongfully believe that all fine art photographs must be enhanced. It is okay to use technology to give your image some touch-ups, but this should not be done to alter a photo. This is not only unethical, but it promotes laziness.
- Be impatient: One of the qualities which is needed in any form of photography is patience. It might take you several hours to capture the shot you have been looking for. Do not whine about it. Keep pressing on.
- Stick to one type of subject: When you are just starting out, feel free to explore different forms of fine art photography. You can try landscape, portrait, abstract, still life, and any other, until you find what works best.