Artspan Portal: Photography

Introduction to Photography

It has been said that a photograph is just a photograph, except when it's a work of art. Photography has, in that sense, become simply another medium of artistic expression. Photographs are in auction houses, galleries and in prominent private collections. According to Matthew Carey-Williams, vice president of contemporary art at Sotheby's New York, "Photography has been the most important medium over the last five to 10 years." Younger collectors in particular are embracing photography for its accessibility and affordability. In its inception, as the camera obscura, photography functioned as a tool of the artist. Its primary use as a form of documentation, in the first half of the 19th century, assured that photography assumed a dual role both as a record of the moment and as a timeless and resonant form of artistic expression. Many professional photographers today work both commercially and in an artistic format. Common to all is a commitment to the craft, and a sure grasp of the tools at hand. Most photographers follow new developments and technology but are not reluctant to use legacy technology in the expression of their craft.
 

Featured Members

 

Newest Work

 
Mariarosa Rockefeller
Ralph W. McMillan
Frederick Brink
Suzanne Stevenson
Robert Hopkins
John Leon Halko
Jennifer James

Resources: Photography

Books (see all)
100 Photographs That Changed the World
 
Art Photography Now
Photography helped shape art in the late twentieth century; in the twenty-first, it has begun to...
Edgar Martins: Topologies
With artful composition and controlled framing—but no digital manipulation—Edgar Martins creates...
Art Suppliers (see all)
Adorama
One of the largest photo retailers and mail order suppliers; serving photographers with cameras,...
American Photographic Resources Inc.
The leading supplier of props, backgrounds, studio lighting equipment, photo frames, and photo...
B & H Photo, Video, & Pro Audio
The Professional's Source of Digital Cameras, 35MM Camera Equipment, Photo Printers and more.
 
Publications (see all)
2dartist
 
Bastard Art and Design PDF Magazine
A submission driven art & design PDF magazine, brought to you for free. Keen to present a broad...
PSA Journal
 
Publications (see all)
Aperture
Showcases the finest in creative photography from acclaimed masters to new talent.
Apogee Photo
Informs active photographers of all ages, both amateur and professional, from around the world.
Camera Arts
Specifically aimed toward the medium and small format photographer.
Education (see all)
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA
BFA in Art, concentration in Photography
University at Albany
Albany, NY
BA in Studio Art, concentration in Photography
Yale University
MFA in Photography
 
Galleries (see all)
 
525 Art
Montevideo, Uruguay
Contemporary Art Gallery that exhibits, sells, and specializes in...
Anderson Photo Gallery
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
A commercial gallery featuring contemporary fine art photographers...
Associations (see all)
Photographic Society of America
Oklahoma City, OK
PSA is a worldwide interactive organization for anyone interested in...
Aperture Foundation
New York, NY
Non-profit. Arts Institution dedicated to advancing fine photography.
Association of International Photography Art Dealers
Washington, DC
Dedicated to creating and maintaining high standards in the business of...