When I hand somebody my business card they see "Ludwig Keck - artist, photographer ...". I consider all my photography to be art, although not all of my art is photography. Clicking a shutter, on a studio camera, on a phone, or on a kid's toy camera, creates an image that in my view is art. In your thoughtful essay you use the words "vision, skill, and a commitment". I fondly recall walking with a friend in a park and when I raised my camera he asked, "what do you see?" We both had the place in front of us, yet the question clearly illustrates that we see the world differently. Vision is that first part to the art of photography. Seeing something that captivates and leads to an image is the first step. Developing the skills to capture and interpret a scene so the photographer's feelings and message can be passed to others is the passion of photographers. And it takes dedication and commitment to achieve the level where one can say honestly, "I am an artist, a photographer".
I am so glad to read this, Ludwig. Seeing something that captivates and leads to an image is the first step. So true. Thank you for visiting and your comments.
Such a thought provoking article! I think this goes back to being human. We humans like to sort, categorize, label. It’s how we make order of the world. Perhaps art comes into play when we disregard the labels. When we create because that’s what we’re compelled to do. Whether we call ourselves photographer or artist is really about communicating to another human what we do, as concisely as possible and not about who we are.
So true, Alicia. Labelling is a natural human exercise. I think we're very uncomfortable tossing labels but when we can, it's so freeing. Thank you for visiting and for your comments!
Capturing an image for information is not art. It may be journalism, it may be documentation, it may be a snap shot. Art suggests intent. A way of "seeing" to bring to others. There has to be definitions, lines drawn, otherwise language has no meaning. We are all artists, we are all fascists, we are all rich. But we individually should not be constrained by definitions. I can seamlessly move between my fine art photography and journalism. I'll define myself for myself and let the world such as it is arm wrestle over it.
Great article Juliette - as an occasional but enthusiastic photographer this is helpful and inspirational. There is an everlasting debate about the point at which craft becomes art - I think the artistic element is present when the creator was intentional about conveying some kind of meaning in the image beyond the merely functional. It can help to step back from your specific question about photography to ask the same questions of other mediums - not all drawings are art for example and what about architecture - is that art? And is bad art still art or is there a (subjective) point at which something is not achieving that which defines art?
May the debate continue. For now I’m off to take some pictures..
Hi, absolutely the same questions could be asked about other mediums. If you ponder that one for a while, then you start to see how the lines blur even more. It all points back to intention. Thank you so much for visiting and for your comments!
I consider myself to be a photographic artist. Taking it one step further, specifically a fine art photographer. Same thing, with an added adjective. I even chased the diploma to validate the achievement. If anyone hasn't seen photographs of the exhibit's layout at The Museum of Modern Art's "Family of Man" exhibit, take a look. scroll down when you get there. https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/2429?
Edward Steichen speaks a bit about the case for photographic art in the press release at the same link.
Thank you for putting this subject forward Juliette.
I love that Ken! I read the press release. It's fascinating to read his words and I will have to print that out for myself. Thank you for introducing me to it. Thanks also for visiting and your comments!
Why have boundaries at all. As you point out, art is subjective. Period. From where I stand, whatever labels you want to attach to me or my art are your business. I’m the final arbiter of my efforts. Great thinking and very well written. Thank you for the art you made.
When I hand somebody my business card they see "Ludwig Keck - artist, photographer ...". I consider all my photography to be art, although not all of my art is photography. Clicking a shutter, on a studio camera, on a phone, or on a kid's toy camera, creates an image that in my view is art. In your thoughtful essay you use the words "vision, skill, and a commitment". I fondly recall walking with a friend in a park and when I raised my camera he asked, "what do you see?" We both had the place in front of us, yet the question clearly illustrates that we see the world differently. Vision is that first part to the art of photography. Seeing something that captivates and leads to an image is the first step. Developing the skills to capture and interpret a scene so the photographer's feelings and message can be passed to others is the passion of photographers. And it takes dedication and commitment to achieve the level where one can say honestly, "I am an artist, a photographer".
I am so glad to read this, Ludwig. Seeing something that captivates and leads to an image is the first step. So true. Thank you for visiting and your comments.
Such a thought provoking article! I think this goes back to being human. We humans like to sort, categorize, label. It’s how we make order of the world. Perhaps art comes into play when we disregard the labels. When we create because that’s what we’re compelled to do. Whether we call ourselves photographer or artist is really about communicating to another human what we do, as concisely as possible and not about who we are.
So true, Alicia. Labelling is a natural human exercise. I think we're very uncomfortable tossing labels but when we can, it's so freeing. Thank you for visiting and for your comments!
Capturing an image for information is not art. It may be journalism, it may be documentation, it may be a snap shot. Art suggests intent. A way of "seeing" to bring to others. There has to be definitions, lines drawn, otherwise language has no meaning. We are all artists, we are all fascists, we are all rich. But we individually should not be constrained by definitions. I can seamlessly move between my fine art photography and journalism. I'll define myself for myself and let the world such as it is arm wrestle over it.
he he! Well said, Mark. I keep repeating the word "intent" and you mentioned it here. That's key. I wholeheartedly embrace non-constraint.
Great article Juliette - as an occasional but enthusiastic photographer this is helpful and inspirational. There is an everlasting debate about the point at which craft becomes art - I think the artistic element is present when the creator was intentional about conveying some kind of meaning in the image beyond the merely functional. It can help to step back from your specific question about photography to ask the same questions of other mediums - not all drawings are art for example and what about architecture - is that art? And is bad art still art or is there a (subjective) point at which something is not achieving that which defines art?
May the debate continue. For now I’m off to take some pictures..
Hi, absolutely the same questions could be asked about other mediums. If you ponder that one for a while, then you start to see how the lines blur even more. It all points back to intention. Thank you so much for visiting and for your comments!
I consider myself to be a photographic artist. Taking it one step further, specifically a fine art photographer. Same thing, with an added adjective. I even chased the diploma to validate the achievement. If anyone hasn't seen photographs of the exhibit's layout at The Museum of Modern Art's "Family of Man" exhibit, take a look. scroll down when you get there. https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/2429?
Edward Steichen speaks a bit about the case for photographic art in the press release at the same link.
Thank you for putting this subject forward Juliette.
Cheers!
I love that Ken! I read the press release. It's fascinating to read his words and I will have to print that out for myself. Thank you for introducing me to it. Thanks also for visiting and your comments!
I believe definitions are fluid. They change in different situations and context. I for one resist boundaries. Great read!
Thanks Shital, most of my photographer friends think like you 😊
:)
Why have boundaries at all. As you point out, art is subjective. Period. From where I stand, whatever labels you want to attach to me or my art are your business. I’m the final arbiter of my efforts. Great thinking and very well written. Thank you for the art you made.
I appreciate that Ken. "I'm the final arbiter of my efforts..." Very well said! Thanks for reading!