The early critics of photography had a lot of negative things to say about the new medium. They did not consider photography as an art form, but rather as a scientific tool or a mechanical reproduction of reality. They argued that photography lacked the creativity, feeling, and sentiment that characterized the works of true artists. They also feared that photography would replace or diminish the value of painting, drawing and other traditional arts.
Of course, in hindsight, we know, now, full well, how this conversation turned.
Today, photography is a fine art and sits proudly alongside the other fine art disciplines of painting, sculpture, drawing, installation, architecture, theater, music, film, writing, design, and more.
Like in every one of these above disciplines, fine art is determined by the artist’s intention, the artist’s skill, the audience’s response, and the artwork’s perceived value.
Yes, without a doubt, as you look online at the ubiquity of photography being published today, much of it, sadly, would hardly be considered fine art.
But for those, like me, who live on the poetic and lyrical side of life, let your fine art in photography grow out of your fine art in life.
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Jack
