Photography as an Art Form
In an age dominated by smartphones and social media, photography has never been more accessible—or more misunderstood. To some, it's just snapping a picture. To others, it's a profound expression of creativity, vision, and emotion, it documents truths and stirs the soul. Photography, at its core, is an art form, and like painting or sculpture, it demands a deep understanding of composition, light, perspective, and timing.
Brooklyn Bridge photographed by Canadian contemporary artist Chris Albert
Photography is a combination of science and creativity. What sets an photography artist apart is their ability to recognize and create artistic composition and use photographic technique to best illuminate what they see and bring it to life. Photographers train their eyes to notice patterns, contrast, emotion, and narrative. A shadow on a wall, the curve of a hand, or a fleeting look between strangers can become a powerful image when captured with intention. That ability to frame the ordinary and make it extraordinary is what elevates photography to an art.
Great photography requires thoughtful composition—considering elements like the rule of thirds, symmetry, leading lines, and negative space. But beyond technical composition lies storytelling. A compelling photograph can make the viewer feel joy, isolation, passion, or wonderment.
Water Dance 1 by Canadian contemporary fine art photographer Lora Moore
Photography is all about light. The way light falls across a subject can change the mood of an image entirely. Photographers manipulate natural and artificial light much like a painter chooses their palette—intentionally and artfully.
The iconic wall in Melrose, CA photographed by contemporary photographer Xan Padron
Editing is an interesting discussion around the art of photography. Some argue that editing a photograph diminishes its authenticity but it can be used to augment the photographer's vision. Editing photography by cropping, changing colour or tone or making use of the wide array of digital technology is often an essential part of the artistic process. With billions of images uploaded every day, it’s easy to become desensitized to the artistry of photography.
Great photographers are storytellers and have the ability to capture the ephemeral and through their eye and the use of technology connects the viewer to the profound.
