Drawing with Light: The Technical Beauty of Photography
Photography in Naples Florida
The word photography comes from the Greek root words phōs, meaning “light” and graphé meaning “drawing;” it translates into English as “drawing with light.” This translation provides a sense of aesthetic pleasure that truly suits the visual art form of photography. But the pictures made by photographers often belie the technical aspects that undergird the process of recording an image on film or digitally.
There is a wide range of photographic types and genres. Photographers within different genres often approach their practice differently in terms of style. That said, all photographers must have an understanding of camera types and the most foundational photography skills and techniques to be successful (e.g., aperture, shutter speed, etc.). But in photography, the technical and the creative go hand in hand–there are both technical and artistic facets that must come together to create a great photo.
Photography was invented in the early 19th century. Frenchman Nicéphore Niépce produces first permanent photograph in 1826, starting a fascination with capturing images that remains even today. “Although the medium was immediately and enthusiastically embraced by the public at large, photographers themselves spent the ensuing decades experimenting with techniques and debating the nature of this new invention,” according to the National Gallery of Art.
Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications, offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation, and execution.”
– Ansel Adams, World Renowned Photographer
There are several important things to consider when attempting to make a photo that makes clear the motivation behind capturing it. Arguably, the three elements that have the greatest impact on a photograph are the subject itself, the way in which the light influences the photo, and the overall composition. A photo with strength in these areas can express a photographer’s vision both effectively and aesthetically: the technical informs the beautiful.
At its core, a photo has a certain purpose: to communicate and document specific points in time. Photos preserve brief, but significant moments, whether from particular periods of success or prosperity or times of failure or misfortune. They are records of historical instances. Photos are important regardless of what intention is at the heart of each image because they connect us to people and places in our past, reminding us of how we’ve grown into the people we are today.
The Naples Art District is comprised of a unique alliance of over 70 professional fine artists, all who make their creative homes throughout the downtown locale. Located in downtown Naples, Florida, the Naples Art District (NAD) can be found north of Pine Ridge Road and west of Airport Road. Visit the District to get to know the creatives who share their talents from within their working studios and galleries. Their work involves a wide range of artistic mediums and methods including photography–check out displayed photos made by member artists who have mastered the art of photography and yet continue to experiment within it. If you would like more information about NAD, don’t hesitate to contact the organization directly via their online form, or by phone or email.
Written by Erika Mehlhaff
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