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This is an interesting topic.

Come to think of it, there are not many of us who regard photography as art, in the same way that few movie-goers regard movies as art (with some considering the act of watching movies as mere forms of escapism). Even among my friends, there are few who see beauty in the art of photography. For many, these will remain as a fact as they continue to pose for cameras and advertisers continue to promote cameras (both Point-and-Shoot (PnS) as well as Digital Single Lens Reflex)[DSLR] for commercial uses.

In some countries (especially those where the emphasis is on the sciences rather than the arts), people are also not exposed to filmic elements in photography, purchasing and using cameras primarily for domestic use, occasionally bringing them out due to festive seasons or special occasions. Other than that, their cameras are kept in their drawers under lock and key. Technical terms such as depth of field (DOF), aperture settings and ISO are unfamiliar to them. Regrettably, these are the precise terms and techniques that enable one to transform from a mere beginner to an artistic photographer and more importantly, from a conventional photographer who takes pictures out of necessity to an artistic photographer who takes pictures out of curiosity. In the eyes of a artistic photographer, photos are pieces of art. In the eyes of a traditional photographer, photos are merely fragments of memories.

Out of all the abovementioned tools that photographers use to produce artistic photos, nothing beats the art of composition. This is one of the few tools that professional photographers have that is not technical. On the surface, this seems like a good thing but if we were to look deeper, it is not. Why? Technical adjustments can be learnt and determined. Composition- on the other hand- cannot be mastered through rote memorisation but rather, through countless hours of endless practice. And what makes it interesting (albeit extremely frustrating at times) is the fact that each photographer possess a set of his/her own mindset on composition. This cannot and should not be changed. This is what gives each professional photographer his or her originality. While many might find learning the art of composition daunting, photographers who regard photos as an art and who intend to further develop their interests (and pursue this field of study) will tend to take it as a challenge, which is all for the better. Even posed photos require good composition.

Personally, I never have an eye for technical precision and my primary emphasis and focus -whenever I capture a shot as a photographer - is always on composition and gut feel. I identify relationships and elements between my subject(s) of interest before pressing the shutter button. More interestingly, I am not one to time myself and wait for the exact moment to capture an image. While this seems like a disadvantage, it proves to be an edge. Contrary to what some photographers tend to do, I do not capture an image through technical precision because I have realised- over time- that most good shots came from candid and unprepared moments. It's as if the moment is already waiting for us and we just have to click on the shutter button and everything will fall come into place.

It's hard to explain this but a great artistic photo usually just happens.

I believe that this is what photography art is all about: As artistic photographers, we do not control or dictate the images. We are not the manipulator of images. We are merely the visionaries of art, taking the initiative to assess the conditions for artistic creation but when it happens, we are merely the recipients. And not the creators.

Such is the enigma of photographic art.

Learn more about this author, Patrick Tay.
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