Past

Fine art photography involves capturing an artist’s viewpoint or idea through the medium of photography. Often producing enthralling results, it has a fascinating history involving deep resistance to its existence,myriad photography trends and stunning innovations. Let’s look at its past, present and future in detail. 

Early days 

The very first photographs were taken during the 1820s. But  photography wasn’t considered as fine art for a long time. 

In fact, in the early days, it was not considered as art by most cultural critics of the time. According to them, it was just a mechanical reproduction of reality which doesn’t involve any creativity. From a historical perspective this was just unwanted protectionism towards older artforms like paintings. 

Founding of photography societies 

But photography enthusiasts didn’t take this resistance lightly. Some of them founded societies that stood for what they believed to be a new form of art. 

Among the most prominent of these were the Photographic Society of London in the UK and the Societe Francaise de Photographie in France. Both of these institutions still remain- a testimonial to the enduring power of the artform. But they were both founded back in the 1850s.

Along with such societies, certain magazines also championed the artform, like the French publication, La Lumiere. Viewed from a historical perspective fine art print wouldn’t be what it is today without the efforts of such magazines. 

Exhibitions 

The first major exhibition of photography happened all the way back in 1858, in the present day Victoria and Albert Museum in London. 

But one of the biggest earliest exhibitions happened a few decades later- in 1891, in Vienna. The event saw more than four thousand photographers from across the globe submitting their works. Out of the submissions, six hundred photographs were exhibited- a tremendous number for the times, exemplifying photography’s emerging popularity. 

Many other exhibitions were also held in different parts of the world during this time period. However, they treated photographs as mere mechanical reproductions than genuine works of art. 

Global movement

It was only in the twentieth century that photography rose to claim its mantle as a fine art. But that did not happen naturally. It took the deliberate efforts of many artists and proponents of the art form to bring about this transformation.

 Among the most important figures in this regard was the photographer, Alfred Stieglitz. He was also a gallery manager who introduced to America the works by some of the best fine art photographers in Europe. 

New York became the epicenter of change in the world’s perception about photography when Stieglitz, along with his compatriots founded The Camera Club there in 1882. But the first major photo exhibition he put up was in 1902, called ‘Photo-Secession’ which was a huge success.  

Over the next couple of decades, Stieglitz and others founded multiple galleries where photography was exhibited. These galleries ushered in multiple photography trends that went on to resonate around the world.

Fine art photography evolved considerably over the next few decades.Kodak introduced the Kodachrome film in 1935, which made the medium more interesting for audiences.

 Innovations in fine art photography were also made by such photographers as Ansel Adams and Paul Strand who focused a lot on landscape and portrait photography respectively. In the latter half of the twentieth century, fashion and street photographers elevated the artform even further- a phenomenon that continues to this day.

Present 

Wide acceptance 

In the current era, fine art photography is no more limited to gallery exhibitions- though plenty of such exhibitions happen around the world. 

Fine art prints now adorn the walls of both houses and commercial establishments. The advent of the internet has seen fine art photographers widening the reach of their artworks; online galleries from where you could purchase prints are now fairly common. 

Unlike in the first two centuries of its existence, in the current era, fine art photography is widely considered as a legitimate artistic form like painting. In fact, in some cases, you see collectors and art enthusiasts interested solely in photographs and not paintings! 

Artistic trends

As for artistic innovations in the current era, the dominance of digital photography has been a boon. Perspectives and techniques that were not feasible with conventional films are possible in the digital realm. Digital photography has also made photography more accessible, so there are even more people who create fine art photography now than ever before. 

From a historical perspective this is a massive shift in how fine art photography is produced. Certain famous artists- like David Hockney- also use common digital devices like smartphones to create fine art photos. 

Aesthetics 

In terms of aesthetics as well,  shifts in fine art photography are seen in the present era.

 For instance, there seems to be a great interest in pictures that dramatize normal situations- with interesting lighting, angle etc.. Also, phone photography is having a trickle effect across the spectrum, with vertical photography becoming more popular. 

Future 

The current state of technological evolution gives us clues about the future of fine art photography.

Wearable tech & AI 

Thanks to wearable tech including virtual reality headsets, photography is bound to become more immersive- by which people would feel like they are within the picture and not mere observers. 

Also, Artificial Intelligence(AI) is redefining what is possible with fine art photographs. For instance, AI helps you gain better image stabilization and autofocus for pictures that you take with digital cameras. Various new editing techniques are also possible with AI. In the future, you can expect to see many new innovations in fine art photography, possible solely due to AI. 

The photographers of the future

Another technology-driven change to expect is not in how pictures are taken but in who takes them.Thanks to digital cameras and phones, just about anyone is a potential photographer now. 

You can expect even more people with no formal training in photography to end up making fine art images. This is bound to take photography in exciting new directions. 

Old media’s enduring appeal 

Despite the continuing march of technological progress, traditional photographic media like polaroids are making a resurgence. So, we can assume that the future would not be completely digital. Nostalgic factors as well as unique artistic possibilities that traditional media offers would mean that some photography trends are here to stay.