art
A snapshot of photography as an art form; explore art museums and galleries devoted to photography, iconic photographers, the history of fine art photography and more.
Art and Photography Essay
Contemporary and Modern Art, as I soon discovered through my theme of ‘distortion’ and ‘fragmentation,' are closely linked in both the concept and technique. They also both portray emotion such as agony, emptiness, and desperation. In the art world, a distortion is any change made by an artist to the size, shape, or visual character to a form, to express an idea, convey a feeling or enhance visual impact. I have always been fascinated by a style based on exaggerating elements of the human form. My aim was to differentiate between artistic exaggeration of elements and turn this concept into an artwork. If art is what is to be seen, rather than what is seen, then any amount of distortion should be acceptable. My intent was to create purpose in the use of distortion; to use distorted bodies and contorted faces to advance the composition and make a creative statement. A large source of inspiration was my visits to galleries, such as MOMA, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, V1 Gallery and NY Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen, with memories of the lengthening of fingers and necks in the work of John Singer Sargent and the shocking grotesque forms of Francis Bacon. I, therefore, decided to focus on and contrast the work of a contemporary artist and a modern artist of the twentieth century, choosing the work of Jesse Draxler and Francis Bacon, that both use distortion to enhance an emotional portrayal in their work.
By Natalie G.6 years ago in Photography
Best Astrophotographers on Instagram to Follow. Top Story - September 2018.
There are Instagram accounts for photographers and artists of all types, from design- and architecture-focused photography to portraits of people and pets. One of the deepest wells in this field is astrophotography, which is pretty much anything to do with outer space: meteor showers, planets, stars, the moon, sunsets, sunrises, and more. There are probably hundreds of astrophotographers on Instagram, but here are some of the best and most prolific for you to follow right now.
By Joseph D. N. Kendrick6 years ago in Photography
Graphic Design Essay (A-Level)
Edgar Degas is an artist that I always loved as a child. I remember taking ballet classes and seeing Degas’ ballerinas for the first time, in which had a unique effect on me. It was during my ten years that I read this particular quote of his and it really got me thinking. This quote later deeply inspired my graphics theme as my intent was to show what you want to say to others and what you make others see. Having researched a development of this concept I decided to focus on Double exposure, with a focus on a visual interpretation of our heritage, where we come from and what we want to make others see on a very subjective level. After all, when we look at an image we all see something individual and an image is always open to interpretation or manipulated by the artist. Double exposure in both the photography and graphic design space is a relatively simple technique that offers amazing results if it is properly explored and worked with. Exploring my theme, through Photoshop my intent was to manipulate my images, achieving a concept that emphasizes my theme greatly through the use of several natural landscapes and buildings. Through the technique of double exposure, I explored this quote closely, as I attempted to make people see a variety of images through my work.
By Natalie G.6 years ago in Photography
Be Vulnerable with the Camera
My motto is "bare your skin," meaning be yourself in life and find comfort in being you. As a photographer I try to have the people I photograph become comfortable around me and be vulnerable with the camera. It is important to me that I am able to show people the beauty that they bring to this world and that is something I am working on doing for myself. Now we all know the statement, "photographers are the worst subjects." Yes, it is true at least for me. It is this sense of lack of control, we've made it up in our mind that it is already a bad picture or that we are not photogenic enough.
By Bailey (BayLee) Elease6 years ago in Photography
The Shot
Blinking against the driving sleet which was making contact with her eyes, she took another deep breath to steady her nerves, trying not to flinch as her fingers made contact with the freezing cold metal. She was unsuccessful in avoiding the wind as it stung her face with its brutal strength, but grateful that the camouflaged jacket from her army days acted as a wind shield and protected her body from fast falling freezing sleet. She had been in the same position for half an hour and her body had started to cry out in protest as each limb ached and her feet felt like slabs of ice, even though she had her Dr Martens on; but still, she was determined to continue with her mission.
By Michelle Bridges6 years ago in Photography
Nostalgia
The sky held a heavy overcast, clouds came in the shades ranging from close to steel gray and some a misty serene white. The wind blew briskly, making the leaves and debris skip across the road and the sidewalk. The trees swayed and rustled, shedding their leaves and an occasional thud of a pinecone falling. People stood out on their balconies, witnessing the storm that hung over our tiny town and watching the developments of the stages. The sky held a faint orange glow, dust was swirling in the air. The musty but sweet smell of rain and wet earth hung in the air. Monsoon season came every year around this time. For our dry town, it seemed a rare occasion to be paid its respects. My grandparents sat on their swinging bench, my grandma slowly rocking the seat back and forth gently. Her legs swung slightly. The silent ringing from the windchimes twinkled, filling the atmosphere with a quiet melody. I could see my grandma smiling, my grandpa staring at her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed her on her wasted cheek. It was truly a sight that could be explained as the most genuine display of affection. I sat inside, hearing the fan meekly swing in the living room. The silence caused an empty echo in my ears, a slight ringing. I twirled one of the strings to my worn out grey Old Navy sweater, biting my lip. The flowers on the dining room table sat in a dreamy glow from the dust storm, I stood up slowly. The floorboards creaked with every step I took. I made my way up the stairs, and down the hallway towards my bedroom. I pushed my door open as I reached my hand to my black Canon camera. My fingers twitched with the sort of familiar adrenaline. I saw the world in the art of simplicity. I went back downstairs, the house moaning silently as the wind picked up. I paused by the dining room table. I slightly crouched, I carefully angled the camera and caught the light casting upon the dull pink daisies. The sound of the click as I captured the picture was the only sound that filled the house for a split second. I peeked towards the living room, my grandpa held his head back as he laughed. I smiled. The sliding glass door leading to the porch creaked as I pulled it open. My grandparents turned to look at me, the smiles still worn on their faces. I nodded and smiled at them. My grandma smiled as she scooted across the bench, patting it gently as she beckoned me to come to sit with her and grandpa. I felt the camera slightly bump every step I took down the steps against my chest. "Did you take any good pictures granddaughter?" I nodded, as I pulled up the picture I had taken in the dining room of the pink daisies. She smiled. I turned to her as I asked her if I could take a picture of her. She insisted that she was not picture ready, but I swore to her it would not be a portrait. She stood up, smoothing out her dress. The dark navy blue color contrasted against her delicate pale fingers. Her wedding ring stood out, a thick white gold band with a diamond encrusted in the middle. I ran inside, my grandmother calling after me to be careful. I pulled the daisies from the vase gently. I made my way back to her, handing her the daisies as I instructed her to hold them. She gave me a questioning look but did as I asked. I looked across their backyard, leaves littered the ground and set a good background. I pointed in the direction of where I had wanted my grandmother to stand. She cocked her head and held out her arm to me, as we made our way to her designated area. She stood limply, and I assured her for the hundredth time the picture would not involve her face. I felt my boots sink into the earth as I stood, holding the camera over the tulips. I carefully posed my grandmother, as I rearranged a few daisies to make the bouquet look full. I focused the camera lens on the flowers, and with a breath, took the picture. It was perfect, it had captured the beauty of old age holding onto the youth of the flowers. The beauty of old and new. I had captured the beauty of both. Grandmother leaned forward to admire the picture. I could hear her breath getting slower, her stray gray hair tickling my cheek. She looked at me with her grey eyes, smiling. "I do not know how you do it, but you always manage to get beauty as she shows." I blushed, I knew this picture would be a keeper, I wrapped my arms around her neck, and for a moment, I felt the world settle around us as we held each other. From one youthful heart to another wise soul, I could tell you there was no perfect way to settle the moment we had.
By Kasey Mitchell6 years ago in Photography
A Shot in the Dark: My Crazy Night Sky Photography Story. Top Story - July 2018.
Basically, this is the story of a lucky shot. To begin, let's go back a few years. First of all, I am far from a pro-photographer. I shoot on a DSLR, for which I only have one lens. But I am an aspiring photographer. Over the past year or two, I have been learning more and more about photography, not to mention falling in love with it. Also, I am a stargazer by nature so night sky photography has always intrigued me. I remember being in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan a couple years ago, gazing mesmerized at the star-filled sky. This was not long after I bought my first DSLR, and I figured I could use it to snap a quick photo of the beautiful sky. I turned it on and pointed it towards the sky, in auto mode. To my dismay, the blurry picture that resulted hardly captured any of the millions of pinpoints of light I could see with my eyes. This was my first experience with "night sky photography."
By Reese Marie6 years ago in Photography
Best Pet Photographers on Instagram To Follow
No matter who you are, what you do, or what you're interested in, there will never be a day that can't be improved by looking at adorable photos of pets. Think about it. How can you hate an adorable animal? You can't!
By Iggy Paulsen6 years ago in Photography
Photos + My Library
I'm a surfer. An environmentalist. A writer. And last, and most importantly; a photographer. I've had a camera in my hand since day 1, and I've never known anything different. Yes, I am a Gen Z'er—so I've never known anything different than digital; the curse of this generation and the epitome of instant gratification. But it doesn't mean that I don't know what film photography is. I actually own 2 film cameras and have been learning to use them recently.
By Lauren Day6 years ago in Photography
Abandoned Belfast—'Parklands'
Parklands now: The site is eerily tranquil and calm despite its location, and nature has most definitely started to take over—not only were the cherry blossom trees which are dotted about the grounds flourishing during the writer's visit, ivy is gradually seeping into the vacant building. Birdsong has replaced the sounds of busy everyday life which must once have filled the area and this, along with the signs of nature thriving without limitations, is in stark contrast to the bleak look of the building itself.
By Juliet Wilkinson6 years ago in Photography
The Mystery in a Photo
Have you ever looked at a photograph with curiosity? Standing looking down at the little square full of amazing colorful scenes; letting the imagination run wild and free; taking in every single object; thinking of the picture as though it is a new exciting adventure; wondering what magical creature hides behind one of the objects—the creature that is hiding in wait to pull you in is the photograph itself. The photograph is trying to tell the person seeing it a story in a different way.
By Shelly Bartley6 years ago in Photography