Celebrated fine art and fashion photographer, Waseem Khan shares the essence of fine art photography in his first exclusive column for Fotoflock.com.

When it comes to fine art photography, the key description lies in the word ‘art’.  My interpretation of it is very basic - any picture or image which by its graphic or creative nature inspires an emotion above & beyond the ordinary everyday occurrence, either in the eyes of the photographer or his patrons/clients, is fine art photography. Varied degrees of separation exist in this art form but they are only defined by the viewer and the individual’s interpretation or perspective.

Glamour and fine art photography
What one interprets as glamour might very well be another person's fine art.  Who's to define and draw that proverbial line between the two?  So there are infinite perspectives to explore in either and the viewers then decide where it must lie.  As a photographer, you must exercise your own vision and creative genius to put forth a visual and throw it open to interpretation.

Appreciating fine art to capture fine art
Obviously a recognition of some level of art and fine art photography (which is abundantly displayed on the web), is important but I believe you either have it or don't. To capture fine art, I believe the artist/photographer has to be uninhibited. And thereby hangs that theory by a thread. Models are generally extremely sensitive to how a photographer is with them. They will feed off a photographer's energy and a positive, healthy & comfortable aura will ensure a model will give her best to a creative endeavour.

As a photographer, you must exercise your own vision and creative genius to put forth a visual and throw it open to interpretation.

I think it is absolutely important that a photographer draws the line very clearly about what is fine art photography according to his or her perception first.  That itself will ensure the comfort zone between the photographer and model to enable a perfect synergy and will ensure a photographer exploits the true potential of any style or genre of photography.  I am yet to meet a wildlife photographer who is uncomfortable being around wild animals.

The secret to sensual photography
My philosophy is perfectly described in the above point and I believe my natural ability to exude a completely positive and comfortable energy with models I work with has always been my success.  It's not a secret.  And you also need to get the other basics right- lighting, composition and a certain creative ability to ensure you shoot images which are unique and special in such a saturated and time-tested genre. Spontaneity will play a huge hand in out of the box images when you start shooting once the basics are adhered to.

<Prev		Next>