by Erich
Status: 05.25.2024
What exactly is contemporary photography?
Thanks to modern technology, capturing moments has become easy and convenient. Anyone can take photos with their mobile phone and capture important moments. Some mobile phones now have such good cameras that they can easily rival a proper camera. This means that everyone has the opportunity to get involved in photography. In our last article, we introduced you to the photographer Lina Czerny. She is studying at the Ostkreuz School of Photography and her work is highly artistic and creative. But why do we find certain photos appealing and classify them as fine art, whilst others we do not?
Is my family photo art?
First of all, it is important to realise that there are different types of photography, as well as different styles. There is abstract photography, still-life photography and portraiture. Modern or contemporary photography refers to photography of the present day. However, there is a clear distinction here from family photos, snapshots or selfies.
What exactly is photography?
But what, then, is actually meant by photography? ‘Photography’ is derived from the Greek ‘photo’, meaning light, and ‘graph’, meaning to draw. Figuratively speaking, it therefore means drawing with light. For a long time, photography was a very labour-intensive and not entirely risk-free endeavour. It was not until 1888 that the first Kodak camera was introduced, enabling ordinary people to take an interest in photography.
Art photography
Around 1900, the Pictorialist movement emerged – the first artistic movement in photography. Pictorialism was about taking photographs that, as far as possible, adopted the same approach as a painting or a drawing. Thus, photography began to become part of the art world and was no longer merely a means of mechanical recording and conveying information. Art photography gained in value. Whether it be black-and-white photography or in full colour – as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Eunjeong Kim / Artist of the Month for January 2024 at the Student Art Market
Abstract Forms
One of the first abstract photographs in an art collection was by Alfred Stieglitz. The photographer was the first to pioneer abstract photography – photographs from which one could not deduce where they were taken, let alone what they were meant to depict. This form of photography stood out very clearly from all previous styles. Texture, colours, shadows, light and shapes take centre stage here.
Protecting nature
As the name suggests, nature photography is about capturing nature. It often focuses on documenting both its beauty and its destruction. Ansel Adams is one of the most famous nature photographers. Through his photography, he highlights the importance of conserving and protecting nature.
Impressive buildings
In contrast, there is also architectural photography. This captures buildings and their details. Staircases, windows, curves and the way light falls become interesting subjects. A distinction is also made between photography taken outside and inside the building.
Smile, please!
Portrait photography is a very demanding form of photography. Capturing a person’s natural self is not at all easy. Anyone who has ever tried to take good portraits will surely have noticed that the more at ease the subject feels, the better the photos turn out. So the rapport between the photographer and the subject is crucial. Of course, self-portraiture opens up entirely different possibilities, as demonstrated in particular by the artist Cindy Sherman. The artist dresses up and applies make-up to slip into various social roles and question them.
Wedding photography? Contemporary photography
Still-life photography is about the arrangement of objects – these may have symbolic significance or simply capture a beautiful wreath of flowers.
Contemporary photography often deals with sexuality, politics and social issues. It captures the spirit of the times and seeks to preserve it and engage in dialogue. Photography used for commercial purposes, including wedding photography, is not usually considered to be fine art. However, even here the boundaries are often not entirely clear, as famous artists have also produced interesting snapshots at weddings.
You can find out more here...
In summary, it can be said that photography is a very diverse medium within the visual arts and should not be underestimated. Just like painters, it requires a feel for composition, setting and colour. If you’d like to find out more about our photographers, please do read the article by Lina Czerny Or Adrian Ferdinand . Here you’ll find fascinating insights into the world of photography.
Eunjeong Kim / Artist of the Month for January 2024 at the Student Art Market
Frequently Asked Questions
Studierenden Kunstmarkt is the leading platform for student art in the German-speaking world. It enables art enthusiasts and art lovers to buy artworks directly from art students, thereby providing them with financial support whilst they are studying.
Studierenden Kunstmarkt was founded in 2020 by Erich Reich and his brother. Erich is still the managing director of Studierenden Kunstmarkt and, together with his team, has succeeded in creating a platform that brings together art lovers, those interested in art and art students. To this day, Studierenden Kunstmarkt is entirely self-funded and has not received any external funding from investors.
At any given time, there are several hundred art students and several thousand works of art on the Student Art Market. A good place to start if you’re looking for an initial overview of the artists is the ‘Artists of the Month’ section.
Just like normal galleries, Studierenden Kunstmarkt receives a commission on each artwork sold. This funds the running of the platform, its maintenance and the salaries of Studierenden Kunstmarkt’s staff. In addition, we support the students, are on hand to advise on any queries, and run free advertising for them on Instagram, Facebook, Google and in our email newsletter, which has several thousand art lovers as subscribers.
There are many ways you can start investing in young artists on the student art market. One option is to sign up for our free email course, ‘Become an Art Expert in 7 Days’. In it, we’ll share a few basics with you, as well as some of our insider tips on which artists have particular potential. Find out more
Take a look at our most popular artists at the Student Art Market
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