Photography is an art. I shifted years ago from referring to myself as a photographer and considered myself an artist. That’s a hard thing for photographers to do. After all, we pride ourselves on being referred to as photographers. Today, everyone takes photos. But there are still a select few that fall into the category of photographers. Even less practice with film and developing photos – a true photographic art form.

Over time, I found myself becoming bored with my work. I would focus on macro photography, landscapes, urban exploration (urbex), and even portraits. That would satisfy my creative side for a while, but eventually, I would long for something else.

As photographers, we try to capture images to convey a message to those who might view them. For example, a photojournalist focuses on documenting an event and churning out a compelling photo to tell a story. While we may not consider ourselves photojournalists, we are, in effect, telling a story. After all, if we share it, we want someone to take notice and be drawn to what we were.

There are many ways we can make our photography more interesting. We can change locations, try different angles, play with focal lengths, tweak camera settings, introduce or subtract light, and a host of other variables. Digital photography has allowed the photographer to have far more creative prowess than ever before.

Composite imagery is my go-to and something you should not be afraid to experiment with as a photographer. A composite image can yield subtle changes that only you might notice or produce changes that drastically alter a scene and make it more enticing to a viewer. More importantly, composite imagery is an art.

Many will scowl at the idea and claim that composite images are not photography, nor are you a photographer, which is why I seldom refer to myself as a photographer. Photographers are limited in what they produce. But an artist? The possibilities are limitless, and we are not bound by traditional expectations.

As an artist, you tap into your raw imagination. If you can think it, then you can bring it to fruition. As an artist, I can create something with purpose and alleviate the boredom so often experienced with conventional photography. However, I am still afforded the opportunity to capture an image with little to no alteration should it be used for documentary purposes, events such as weddings or parties, or to go into print for a magazine or newspaper.

Digital photography has revolutionized the industry, and it brings with it endless possibilities for the creative. Understandably, some feel making changes to an image takes away from the true essence of photography and presents a false representation of reality. Photoshop is nothing to be trifled with. However, even your cellphone “photoshops” your images and produces a product that a computer program interprets as ideal values for sharpness, light, and color.

As an artist, your possibilities are limited only by you. However, remember that art is subjective, and not everyone will praise what you have created. In the end, are you doing it for them or yourself

Never miss a post! Subscribe here or with the form below, and follow Jake Durham Photography on Facebook and Instagram.