What is Photographic Art?
Photographic Art by Sara Beveridge / www.sarabeveridge.com
Photographic Art by Sara Beveridge / www.sarabeveridge.com
I believe the question really should be "what is a fine art photographic print"? In the photography world the real difference is in the printing method. The subject matter is of course your personal choice. Hand made prints would probably be at the top of the spectrum with many outstanding fine art photographers producing beautiful hand made prints. But for my contemporary themed work it's my computer and a top notch photo printer that works the best. Besides, I never liked the thought of putting my hands in chemicals and that's just one more reason why I love the digital age! I consider my enhanced photographs as decorative wall art that falls into the category of "Fine Art Photographic Digital Prints". That is based primarily on my use of pigment inks and archival paper. “Enhanced photography” is a relatively new artistic expression. The techniques I use are varied and can involve many hours to transform a picture into a look that appeals to me. There are no rules to follow in transforming my photographs and I don't listen to critics who think this is not a true art form. I think that enhanced photography is very much a legitimate art form and I think I am doing something a little different that pushes the language of art. I enjoy it very much and I feel a sense of accomplishment in much the same way that a painter looks at a completed painting. There are the purist’s 35mm film photographers who are rather elitist about their view of photography. You may have heard the term "camera snob". I have witnessed those that have a rather disgruntled attitude about the digital revolution of photography. In my humble opinion, it’s like asking me to go back to using cassette tapes or not having an Internet. I believe that if I am not constantly progressing then I am always playing catch up. For me, change is integral to my creative growth as an artist and as a person. For the past 25 years plus I have taken photos of all sorts of subjects with all types of lenses. I have always liked to enlarge my photos and have them matted and framed. I thought they were beautiful wall art! Basically I am still doing that and I don't feel the need to make a particular statement or tell a particular story with my art. My work is part of who I am; a beach person who loves to take pictures! I like what I do and that’s why I do it! But more importantly, other people like my work and purchase it and that is all the validation I need that my work is "art". Most of my prints are limited editions of 80, 180 and 300, making them a bit more special to a collector. The component of my photographic art is based primarily on the themes I am drawn to. I then focus on composition as well as vivid color and texture. I am very blessed to have the opportunity to travel to many places around the world. I use my huge catalog of photographs from those travels. I have always been a "beach" person who grew up around the beach and surfing. I love to photograph the beach, palm trees, waves, surfing, flowers, nautical scenes and seascapes. I am drawn to the natural beauty of our earth and you will see these themes in my photographic art. I also love my home town of Virginia Beach, Virginia and I pay tribute with my “Virginia Beach Landmarks” series. Thank you for reading, |
