Assignment 2 - Art Photography - One page summary

Assignment 2 – Careers in photography

ART PHOTOGRAPHY

Chloe Thompson, Amy Mills and Ginette Snow

Brief overview

It is very difficult to define ‘art photography’ or ‘fine art photography’. One could say it is to sell but not for journalism, nor for advertising. That is not the whole definition. There are many art photographers who never sell their photos – they just want to record their feelings as an artist does but on photo material rather than oil, water colour, acrylics or clay. There is a whole range of abilities in art/fine art photography just as there is in other media art. Some sell in the markets, some use top of the range agents and commercial galleries. Some just display their work.

Career path

· No set career path

· Could be part of commercial work with some of the better photos

Pay range

· Difficult to access

· Depends on market and sales

· Some rely on another job whether photography or something else to supplement their income

· If you have really made it as an internationally recognised fine art photographer then very high prices can be charged for images.

Expenses

· Camera wear & tear

· Studio

· There is often travel involved which is a costly expense

· Computers

· Insurance

· Perhaps a rented/owned gallery

Education requirements

· It varies – could be none

· A qualification in photography or fine arts would be an advantage.

· Being a member of a recognized photographic society like the AIPP would be an advantage.

Method of finding this sort of work

· Entering competitions

· Exhibitions

· Work of mouth

· Contacts

· Marketing – internet.

· Initially selling at markets

Examples of photographers in this field.

Jan Sauvek; Alec Soth; Andreus Gurskey; Idris Khan; Ian MacDonald; Thomas Struth; Andy Small; Tim Flach; Peter Lik; Damian Franco; Lee Duguid; Charles McKean; James Mills; Ebony Whitaker; Michael Boniwell; Ben Messina; Peter O’Day.