How to Be Artistic as a Photographer: Tips and Techniques

Beauty and creativity lie at the heart of photography. Being an artistic photographer means much more than capturing moments. It involves a deep understanding of composition, style, and the materials you work with. This guide explores some key techniques and considerations to help you develop your artistic photography skills.

Essential Techniques for the Artistic Photographer

Artistic photography is not just about taking pictures; it's about creating a visual story that resonates emotionally. Here are some fundamental techniques and considerations that can help you elevate your work:

The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a basic compositional technique that helps you create more dynamic and balanced images. By dividing your frame into nine equal parts, with two horizontal and two vertical lines, you can position key elements at intersection points or along the lines. This rule not only guides the placement of your subjects but also adds visual interest to your images.

Subject, Composition, Style, and Media

Understanding your subject is crucial. Whether it's a landscape, portrait, or abstract scene, knowing the story behind your subject enriches your photography. Composition involves the arrangement of elements within the frame to create harmony and balance. Style refers to the overall look and feel of your work, and media—such as digital or film—plays a significant role in the final outcome.

Color vs. Black and White

Deciding whether to shoot in color or black and white can greatly influence your artistic direction. Black and white offers a timeless quality and can heighten emotions and focus on form and texture. Color, on the other hand, adds vibrancy and can effectively convey mood and atmosphere.

Digitally or Film?

Digital photography has revolutionized the way we capture and edit pictures. However, traditional film still holds a special place for many artists. Each medium has its unique characteristics and advantages. Digital allows for immediate feedback and extensive editing capabilities, while film offers a tactile and chemical experience that can't be replicated.

Post-Processing

Post-processing plays a vital role in bringing out the best in your images. Techniques such as dodging and burning, contrast adjustments, and color correction can enhance the overall impact of your photographs. The goal is to preserve the essence of your original vision while making subtle yet significant improvements.

Mounting and Presentation

The final presentation of your work also contributes to its artistic merit. Proper framing, matting, and mounting can elevate your photographs to a new level. How you present your work can communicate a lot about your artistic intent and the overall impact you want to have on your audience.

My Artistic Journey

For me, my artistic journey began with a deep love for large format view cameras and black and white films. I have an old 4 x 5 Speed Graphic press camera that I absolutely adore. I prefer shooting on slow Kodak films and using the Zone system for exposure determination. My light meter and 18 grey card are always with me. When processing the film, I nail down strict temperature and time parameters to ensure consistency and quality.

In the darkroom, I spend considerable time experimenting with different papers and techniques. I may need to print on several papers before finding the right one. After finding the perfect look, I use high-quality platinum papers for final prints. This process, while meticulous, is incredibly rewarding and allows me to craft a visual narrative that resonates.

Digital photography is a different ordeal, one that I am still learning. Tools like Photoshop and GIMP are essential, but the tactile experience of the darkroom can't be replicated at this time. However, I use my Hasselblad with an older digital back to compose my shots for field proofs before finalizing them on my large format camera.

Composition is the foundation. After composition, correct exposure is the next step. Processing follows, and the final touch is achieved through darkroom techniques and final prints. These processes are intertwined, and each step is crucial in creating a final image that tells a powerful story.

Thank you for reading. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to comment below.