Intimate Nature: 

 The

form and texture as realized through light and shadow of a leaf.

See the series  HERE

Matthew G. Beall Photography    Shadow behind a Leaf      2013

I recently came across Andy Ilachinski's writings and photographs. I was taken by his definition of photography and fine art photography. It made me think about how I see it to be. So, building upon his words, I propose this:

Photography is capturing what a “thing” is.


Fine Art Photography is the art of capturing and the making of "what else" a thing is.

He goes on to state:

"Point and shoot photography is all about grabbing the shot (of something)"

'Oh, what a lovely tree... where‟s my camera?...click....let‟s go'

In other words, he is talking about the snap shot.

 He continues with, "Fine art photography is all about doing everything possible (before / during / after a shot) to communicate feelings to someone else"

'I‟m so happy here...what beautiful light...how calm everything is...

it‟s as though nothing else exists...a gentle breeze...serenity...'

 My view:
 Fine Art Photography has to begin with visualizing. It is a process  which needs to take place before, during and after the exposure. The process is made up of three simple words: Look, See, Think  It is striving for consistency and quality over quantity where 
the end result is hopefully one that conveys emotion i.e. connects with the viewer at some level. 

“One should not only

photograph things

for what they are,

but for what

else they are.”

MINOR WHITE