Neyda Cakebread-Mateus June

2019

What is Fine Art Photography?

Photographic art, also known as "fine art photography" or "artistic photography," has no
universal meaning or definition: instead, it refers to a category of photographs, conceived in the
creative vision of the artist. Photography is not about capturing what the camera sees; it is about
capturing what the artist observes. In this genre, the artist uses the camera as a tool to create a work of
art. The camera reveals the vision of the artist and makes a statement of that idea rather than
documenting the subject before the lens. The overall concept is to go beyond the literal representation
of a subject. A photo should express the feelings of the photographer and reveal that an artist created it
and not just a camera. It should be evident within the photo that it was an original, deliberate action
and from every aspect of composing it, from "in the field" to the photographer's post-production, are
all acts of individual expression.
Essentially, a fine-art photographer or art photographer is a photographer who specifies in the
genre of fine art and sells their photographs as artwork. In addition to having technical knowledge of
subjects such as lighting and the use of lenses, fine arts photographers need artistic talent and
creativity. Most use traditional film instead of digital cameras.Typically, during the process of taking
photos, a progression of stylistic features will develop for the artist, which is used as a unique identifier
and shapes the photographer's identity within the art community.
Historically, photography merged into a separate genre of fine art photography, that was
created in the hope for photographs to be taken as seriously as paintings. Therefore early art
photographers used the medium to create photos that had a painterly essence to them. During the
Victorian era, photographers such as Julia Margaret Cameron and Alfred Stieglitz were pioneers in the
field of art photography.1 Since that time, fine art photography has left the shadows of painting and
now has its techniques which artists use to explore new mediums. Modern fine art photography is
innovative and concerned more with the elements of form, design or concepts, than with recording an
event. A fine art photograph may be a complicated, staged event, and the final image can be highly
manipulated.
All jobs come with responsibilities, as employers expect the people they are paying to
complete the function of their roles. Employees have the specific activities or obligations for which
they are held accountable when they are assigned to a role on a project or team. A profession in the
field of fine-art photography depends on the individual, every job and task is generalized, as
employment prospects are evolving in this industry. A few examples of typical responsibilities are

1
Moffat, C. A. (2011, September). The History of Photography as a Fine Art. Retrieved June 20,
2019, from http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/photography/
creating photographic images for exhibition in museums and galleries; developing images for home
and office interiors commissioned by individuals and/or corporations; mounts or frames images for
display; and working collectively with gallery owners and managers on shows. Fine-art photographers
may also: work with models, celebrities, and average citizens; photograph products, objects, buildings
and homes, street settings, and landscapes; as well as, secure licenses, permissions, and releases when
appropriate. Photographers not only need to know how to navigate through the business and
marketing side of the industry but also have experience with using different camera functions, editing
software, understanding of developing photos in a darkroom, and be innovative with lighting and
composition.

Salary Range for Fine-Art Photographers

The salary of photographers ranges from start at $23,400 per year for entry level
positions while most experienced workers make up to $82,875 per year. The average salary
$48,750 per year or $25 per hour. 2 Sometimes salary and benefits are received differently in the
case of fine artists. Artists often receive payments for every creative piece sold, either in full for direct
sales or a percentage after paying a commission if the photographer is represented by a gallery or
studio to cover promotion and marketing costs. Artists who work as instructors or teachers may
receive a fixed salary, and if they are fortunate benefits may be included in their contract. The more an
artist is recognized and the more years of experience they have they can earn more as with any job.
This is similar to the appreciation of works of art which can increase in value.

Prerequisites for being a Fine-Art Photographer

Education
During photo sessions, shooters meet many people and sometimes visit the most incredible
places. On the other hand, this profession is technically demanding. If you decide to achieve success in
this area, you need to look through education requirements for a photographer.
Photographers have a talent or natural ability for taking good photos, and this talent is
typically cultivated over years of practice. Photographers often start working as an assistant to a
professional photographer, learning on the job. This work provides an opportunity to gain experience,
build the photographers’ portfolios, and gain exposure to prospective clients. In addition,
photographers must be trained on how to use picture-editing software.
A Bachelor of Arts in Photography provides more options for a career and for advancement;
bachelor's degrees typically include art, business, marketing and other courses to round out one's
education. A polished portfolio, which is often a requirement for graduation, is another benefit of a
bachelor's degree program. There are many schools in Ontario that offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in

2
Photography salary in Canada. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=photography
Photography. These schools include: Algoma University, Brock University, Carleton University,
University of Guelph, Lakehead University, McMaster University, Nippising, OCAD, University of Ottawa,
Queens, Ryerson, Trent, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University of Western Ontario,
University of Windsor3. All programs vary in what they offer. An example of courses in these programs
can be found by looking at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) program. It includes course
from the darkroom to digital photography. They encourage students to select electives in fabrication,
integrated media, printmaking, criticism and curatorial practice. These courses are meant to
complement specific photography content. 4 Colleges across the province also offer many, many arts
programs both full-time and part-time.

Experience
The best experience in this field comes from experience gained through work or volunteering.
If able, working as a photographer’s assistant or in a gallery is a great way to help understand what the
profession really entails. It also assists in getting practice in an environment in which you can learn
from someone who has much experience with cameras, lighting and design. You can learn from
assisting and from asking questions in the field. Other assistant roles that would provide beneficial
experience include any capacity with creative professionals such as graphic designers, gallery
managers, art curators, editors and art directors are also beneficial.

Skills
To be an artistic photographer you need to be able to show and demonstrate your ability and
style. A portfolio is a must. Skills specific to this role that are a necessity are fluency in photo editing
and image processing. Communication and interpersonal skills are essential as well as you need to
communicate with people who may want to purchase your work or have work commissioned. Strong
organizational and curating skills are also needed in this role to stay on schedule for projects and
maintain and develop professional relationships. Strong and developed writing skills are necessary for
communication related to business and as well as for communicating about the artistic process.
Statistics Canada lists the following as some or all duties of photographers:5
● Study requirements of a particular assignment and decide on the type of camera, film, lighting
and background accessories to be used

3
Ontario Arts Programs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.carfacontario.ca/Ontario-Art-
Programs
4
OCAD University. (n.d.). OCAD University. Retrieved from
https://www.ocadu.ca/Page325.aspx
5
Statistics Canada. (2018, March 23). National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011.
Retrieved from
http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3VD.pl?Function=getVD&TVD=122372&CVD=122376&C
PV=5221&CST=01012011&CLV=4&MLV=4
 ● Determine picture composition, make technical adjustments to equipment and photograph
subject
● May operate scanners to transfer photographic images to computers
● May operate computers to manipulate photographic images
● May adapt existing photographic images and create new digitized images to be included in
multimedia/new media products
● May use delicate instruments, such as optical microscopes attached to cameras
● May process exposed film
● May use airbrush, computer or other techniques to retouch negatives
● Medical photographers may work closely with medical illustrators.

Employment prospects

Most photographers are self-employed and/or work freelance. The current outlook for a
photographer in the province of Ontario is fair over the next ten years. As of 2016, the median age of all
photographers was 44 and their average retirement age is 66. Stats Can also lists the specialized areas
of : portrait photography, commercial photography, scientific photography, forensic photography,
medical photography, digitized photography, multimedia photography or photojournalism.6 Some
other jobs directly related to a fine arts degree in photography, that are not specifically in Fine Arts,
include: graphic designer, a magazine editor, medical illustrator/photographer, art director, digital
media specialist, film director or editor, stylist, and web designer. 7 Stats Can also lists the specialized
areas of : portrait photography, commercial photography, scientific photography, forensic
photography, medical photography, digitized photography, multimedia photography or
photojournalism.8 The Ontario College of Arts and Design states that their Photography graduates
exhibit their work in artist-run and commercial galleries, work for magazines, print publications or
image archives, as well as find employment as art curators and gallery administrators.9

Advancement Prospects

6
ibid.
7
Photography. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-
with-my-degree/photography
8
Statistics Canada. (2018, March 23). National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011.
Retrieved from
http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3VD.pl?Function=getVD&TVD=122372&CVD=122376&C
PV=5221&CST=01012011&CLV=4&MLV=4
9
OCAD University. (n.d.). OCAD University. Retrieved from
https://www.ocadu.ca/Page325.aspx
 A Bachelor of Arts in Photography provides more options for a career and for advancement;
bachelor's degrees typically include art, business, marketing and other courses to round out one's
education. A polished portfolio, which is often a requirement for graduation, is another benefit of a
bachelor's degree program. A Master of Arts in Fine Arts would allow for even more advancement in
the field, and a Bachelor of Education would allow an Artist to become a teacher in elementary or
secondary school.

Ideas and Tips for Entry into the Profession

As was mentioned before, it is important that a photographer has a strong and diverse
portfolio that speaks to who the artist is and showcases their talent. This is their entry point. The
more experience an artist has through volunteer work, working as an assistant, through their
educational experience. RJ Muna, photographer suggests that “enthusiasm and energy for the work
has led to something that [he] could have not predicted’. Photographer Brooke Shaden adds that “one
technique is to reach out to the galleries that [you] feel can best represent the style of work [you]
create, since they are trained to market and sell”. Similarly, Laurie Klein adds that the best way she
found to market her work is through “person-to-person connection … and doing a lot of social media
and relationship building”. 10

Recent News Articles About Your Chosen Career

It’s a rough time to be a Bachelor of Fine Arts: Few jobs. Shut programs. How art schools are
adapting
https://www.macleans.ca/work/jobs/its-a-rough-time-to-be-a-bachelor-of-fine-arts/
This article shares the reflection of a student who took a Bachelor of Fine Arts program at York because
she was hoping to be a well rounded artist and wanted to have experience with all areas of fine arts.
She was hoping to pursue a degree in education after she finished but couldn’t afford to. She was
living the life of a “starving artist” and working as a personal care worker. The article describes how
universities are looking at their programs to adapt to the change in the job market. Less people
pursuing a Fine Arts degree and career.

My First Shoot with a Fine Art Photography Collective

https://petapixel.com/2019/01/22/my-first-shoot-with-a-fine-art-photography-collective/

10
How to Become a Fine Art Photographer Full Time: Tips for Launching a Photo Career.
(2017, November 28). Retrieved from https://www.shutterbug.com/content/how-become-fine-
art-photographer-full-time-tips-launching-photo-career#ZcGbwG1CmeJdHuCD.99
This article from Petapixel shared the experience of photographer Simon King. It was his first time
working with a group of other photographers who were experimenting with different lighting
techniques and taking portraits. He had a very positive experience and appreciated learning with
another group of photographers who were creating at the same time.

An Interview with Fine Art Photographer Roger Ballen https://petapixel.com/2017/04/27/interview-

fine-art-photographer-roger-ballen/

This article is a biography of Roger Ballen who has been a Fine Art Photographer for over 50 years. He
is known as a creative and innovative artist. Roger tells about his career journey, his artistic process,
and how he creates a series of photographs. He also shares other artists who have influenced him and
his work which includes Picasso. He is a very interesting artist!
Resources

How to Become a Fine Art Photographer Full Time: Tips for Launching a Photo Career. (2017,

November 28). Retrieved from https://www.shutterbug.com/content/how-become-fine-art-

photographer-full-time-tips-launching-photo-career#ZcGbwG1CmeJdHuCD.99

OCAD University. (n.d.). OCAD University. Retrieved from https://www.ocadu.ca/Page325.aspx

OCAD University. (n.d.). OCAD University. Retrieved from

https://www.ocadu.ca/admissions/programs/photography.htm

Ontario Arts Programs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.carfacontario.ca/Ontario-Art-Programs

Photography. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-

with-my-degree/photography

Photography salary in Canada. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=photography

Statistics Canada. (2018, March 23). National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011. Retrieved from

http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3VD.pl?Function=getVD&TVD=122372&CVD=122376&CPV=52

21&CST=01012011&CLV=4&MLV=4