Photography As Art
61Black Oaks, Morning Mist, Yosemite Valley, California
Learn from the success of others.
It's often been said that we learn from our own mistakes and are inspired by our successes. Here's a great opportunity to learn from the success of other photographers who have produced some noteworthy images.
George Barr is a Canadian fine arts photographer and also a medical doctor. About six years ago he began writing photography oriented books using the communication skills he developed as a doctor to share information about shooting and producing top quality images.
His latest book is Why Photographs Work -- 52 Great Images: Who Made Them, What Makes Them Special and Why. It was published by Rockynook and is available through Amazon.
What was he thinking?
Says Barr from the introduction, "My own tastes are firmly based in the highest image quality: that concept does not trump craftsmanship; that being radical is not an end in itself but rather a tool to express ideas that are difficult to express in more traditional techniques. I'm an experienced photographer, with high standards for both my own images and the photographs of others. I have had some success being published and in selling my photographs and it is with this background I chose the images for the book."
And later, "The book is about photography as art."
Two People/Two Doors -- Carlow, Ireland
More about 52 great images.
- My review of "Why Photographs Work"
Check out my thoughts on a great new book about photography, excellent photographers and their amazing images.
Like the review? Buy the book now:
 | A "must add" book for the library of anyone who takes and/or enjoys the study of superb images. Very informative and educational. Amazon Price: $21.86 List Price: $39.95 |
Vote on Color or Black and White
We all like some of both, but if pressed for a choice...black and white or color?
See results without votingPhotoshopped-to-death!
It isn't hard to tell. Do you have a preference?
See results without votingCommentsLoading...
Thoughtful feature - wouldn't mind seeing this book
The photograph is a picture. the result of alteration in the darkroom or computer turns it into another picture. Either or both are legitimate pictures but they are not the same.
A good image is worth a thousand words! Thanks for the hub.
Thank you all for your comments!
FCE - I really did like George Barr's trees. The photo made me believe that they were having a real convesation with each other, leaning in to catch every word. This was a most enjoyable article.
Gusd :-)))
They do look like they are leaning in to talk! this was a very interesting piece. Thanks!
I think that the picture with the doors are my husband and I. I can't explain.
@BJBenson -- that photo reminds me of a Norman Rockwell.
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting everyone!
This has been the topic of discussions in many fora - photography as art. I strongly believe that if a photo is planned and conceptualized well before it is taken, then it becomes an art. This is to differentiate it from snapshots.
There really are so many photos that are like art pieces.
Thanks for sharing about the book. I will definitely check it out.
Nice work. GBY
Great article! I enjoyed it very much!
Very thought provoking Hub. It is my opinion that Artists use their own form of Photoshop, albeit a manual one.
I would bet that Da Vinci did not get his Mona Lisa correct first time. (I believe that many artists are now using 'air brushes' on their canvasses for expediency)
It is my opinion that PS editing is OK as long as it is only enhancing the details that are already in the image.
An highly respected artist once told me that you should become a good 'Technician' before you become an 'artist'
lol I digress. I love the images and agree with everyones opinion. Each photograph has it's own aura of mystery:-)
rated up tweeted out :-)
Thanks again to everyone for visiting and special thanks to agvulpes for the "tweet"!.
I also like George Barr's trees. They look alsmost human, leaning towards each other to hold conversations, telling secrets.
I totally agree that photography is art if executed well. Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks!
Excellent article. Now I am inspired to see what I can do with my digital camera. I need an 8 day week in my life. :) Thanks. Rated up and forwarding this to friends.
Mentalist acer Level 6 Commenter 16 months ago
I enjoy photoshop as a creative process,though in simple pictures of people I prefer no stylizing.;)