Artistic photography is about more than just “taking pictures.” It is about creating imagery that conveys a message, evokes an emotional response, or makes the viewer pause and think. It’s about making choices that reflect your vision. Artistic photographers craft a scene, often manipulating lighting, framing, or even post-processing to enhance the mood and narrative.
Artistic Photography can include:
- Abstract and conceptual themes: Representing ideas through images.
- Surreal or manipulated visuals: Combining elements to challenge reality.
- Symbolism and metaphor: Using objects, colors, or elements to convey deeper meanings.
- Strong narrative or mood: Capturing a scene that tells a story or evokes a feeling.
Rather than capturing what is, artistic photography often reveals how the photographer sees the world, through their emotions, beliefs, or perspective.
Elements of Artistic Photography
1. Creative Composition
Composition in artistic photography is the foundation of the shot. Unlike traditional photography that follows basic rules (rule of thirds, leading lines), artistic photographers break, bend, or reinterpret these rules to create a unique image.
- Framing: Sometimes, an unusual frame makes an image more dynamic. Think about placing the subject off-center or using natural elements to create a frame within a frame.
- Negative Space: Often used in artistic photography to draw attention to the subject by emphasizing emptiness or simplicity. Negative space invites the viewer to focus on the subject while also interpreting the open space around it.
- Unconventional Angles: Creative compositions often involve shooting from extreme angles—up high, low to the ground, or tilted—adding an element of surprise or intrigue.
Pro Tip: To create balanced and visually engaging compositions, experiment with these techniques, even if they break traditional rules.
2. Use of Light and Shadow
In artistic photography, light is a tool—not just a condition. The way light interacts with your subject can totally change the emotional impact of a photo.
- Rembrandt Lighting: This lighting technique is characterized by a small triangle of light on the subject’s cheek, creating depth and mood. It’s commonly used in portraiture, but can also add a dramatic effect to other types of photography.
- Split Lighting: This creates a stark contrast between light and shadow, often used for high-drama or strong emotional impact.
- Silhouettes: Playing with backlighting can create compelling silhouettes that focus on form and shape instead of detail.
- Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise or before sunset offers a soft, golden glow that creates stunning, atmospheric portraits and landscape shots.
You can further explore these lighting techniques in our guide: Mastering Lighting for Dramatic Photography.
3. Intentional Color or Monochrome Use
Color can make or break an artistic photograph. Intentionally applying color or opting for black-and-white photography can transform the mood of an image.
- Bold Color: Sometimes, vibrant colors evoke energy and passion. For instance, using a striking red against a neutral background can evoke strong emotion. Color theory can also help in making choices to elicit particular feelings from the viewer.
- Monochrome/Black & White: Black and white photos focus on the subject, shapes, contrast, and texture. They often have a timeless, classical quality, and are used to highlight emotion and form.
- Color Grading: Post-processing tools like Lightroom or Photoshop allow you to tint your photos with specific hues to set the mood. For example, a cooler blue tone can evoke sadness or solitude, while warm yellow tones can evoke comfort and joy.
Explore the use of monochrome in our article: How to Edit Black and White Photos.
For products: If you are looking for tools to enhance your color grading, check out the Godox LED Light Panels for perfect lighting control.
4. Post-Processing as a Creative Tool
Editing in artistic photography isn’t just about fixing exposure or correcting colors. Post-processing is an extension of the photographer’s creativity.
- Layering: Artists may blend multiple images together to create surreal or fantasy-like results. For instance, adding stars to a night sky or merging human subjects with nature.
- Texture & Clarity: Manipulating textures can bring more tactile feelings to a photo. Sharpening details or softening elements can have a profound effect on how the viewer feels about the photo.
- Advanced Techniques: Techniques such as double exposure, HDR (High Dynamic Range), or digital painting can take an image to the next level of abstraction.
Editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop are essential tools in post-processing for artistic photography. Explore more in our guide on Best Photo Editing Apps.
For professional photo editing services, consider Fotor for easy-to-use online tools or Adobe Lightroom for full control over your edits.
5. Symbolism & Storytelling
Symbolism is one of the cornerstones of artistic photography. A single object in a photo can carry layers of meaning. Think about the use of light, shadow, position, and color to imply things beyond what’s obvious.
For example, a closed door can symbolize opportunity or fear. A broken mirror can symbolize fragmentation or a loss of self. This deeper layer of meaning turns a good image into a work of art.
Storytelling through imagery invites the viewer to engage with the photo on a personal level, asking questions and filling in the gaps. This is especially important in conceptual photography where your subject is not only a literal representation but also a metaphor for something larger.
Popular Types of Artistic Photography
Some types of artistic photography include:
- Fine art portraits: Using minimalistic backdrops, dramatic lighting, and a strong emotional connection to the subject to create a timeless piece.
- Double exposure: This technique blends two images together to create a surreal or symbolic result. See our article: How to Create Artistic Double Exposure Photos.
- Surrealism and composite imagery: Combining unexpected elements to create new realities. For example, a desert scene with floating trees.
- Conceptual photography: Where the photographer is trying to illustrate an idea or concept rather than just capturing a subject.
- Macro abstracts: Close-up images that focus on texture, shape, and patterns, often isolating a small object to create an abstract or geometric composition. Learn more: How to Use a Macro Lens.
- Black and white high contrast: Using extreme contrast between light and dark to create visually compelling, emotionally charged images. See our guide: How to Shoot High-Contrast Black and White Photography.
How to Start Creating Artistic Photography
- Study Art Immerse yourself in other visual art forms like painting, film, and even sculpture. Understanding how artists use light, color, and composition in these fields will give you new ideas for your photography. The more exposure you have to various artistic movements (such as Impressionism or Surrealism), the more you'll understand how to translate these concepts into your own work.
- Define Your Message Before taking a shot, always ask: What am I trying to say? Whether it’s a personal feeling, a social statement, or a philosophical question, artistic photography should communicate something beyond just the image.
- Experiment Push boundaries by trying new techniques. For example, experiment with long exposure to capture movement, or play with reflections in mirrors or water. Photography is about trial and error, and these experiments will help you find your voice.
- Create a Signature Style Your artistic style is like your photographic signature. Whether it’s a particular use of color, lighting, or subject matter, refining your style will help make your work instantly recognizable.
- Get Inspired and Keep Practicing Take part in creative challenges, photo contests, or simply work on projects that stretch your limits. Constant practice will help you grow as an artist and refine your vision. Join platforms like 500px or Instagram for daily inspiration and exposure to other photographers' work.
Final Thoughts
Artistic photography is about more than just pressing the shutter—it’s about communicating ideas and emotions through visuals. Whether you're experimenting with light, playing with color, or creating surreal compositions, the goal is to go beyond the obvious and create something that resonates. The more you develop your skills, the more you’ll discover your own unique artistic voice.
Related Reads:
