There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing contemporary art come to fruition from my photographic journeys. Creating photographic art is an enjoyable process requiring a seemingly endless flow of creative juices. Creativity is essential throughout the course of researching, planning and during my adventurous field outings where prospective images are composed and captured.

Processing the captured images is also pleasurable as I tend to re-live my experiences during this time. Technical and artistic aspects such as tones and textures are carefully adjusted and balanced with hopes the finished image portrays “feeling” along with its story. With practiced skill and often times, a little luck, the complete process comes full circle as an alluring scene emerges looking very close to the scene I originally envisioned. …And it’s now ready to be enjoyed by those who view it.

Each phase of the entire process seems to offer its own unique nuance of creativity and mastery. Both of which are necessary to achieve the goal of an image worthy of becoming a finished piece of well-liked, contemporary art. Artwork that will adorn a gallery wall just as well as a wall in your home or office. A piece that commands a second look.

We live in a world where people wielding smart phones lay claim to be professional photographers as we’re continuously bombarded with more and more pictures each day. In fact, every two minutes, we take more pictures than the whole of humanity in the 1800’s (when the camera was invented).

“In fact, every two minutes, we take more pictures than the whole of humanity in the 1800’s”

- BuzzFeed

Selecting quality, photographic contemporary art within a sea of digital noise can be a challenge. …But it’s a challenge that’s easy to overcome through simple thought and reflection.

If you’re looking for photographic art, look at the artist’s finished work, not just what you see on a computer screen. Most reputable artist’s will have their work on display somewhere. Contact them and ask to see it. It’s within these finished, contemporary art pieces you’re more apt to glimpse the soul of the artist.

As you view an artist’s work, try to imagine the creative processes used to make it. You’ll begin to understand the culmination of steps taken and creativity necessary to produce fine photographic artwork. Perhaps then you’ll feel what the artist feels… a joyful satisfaction as you enjoy a beautiful work of contemporary art.

Here’s an interesting take on the modern wave of photography by Pedro Meyer. It was written five years ago but seems quite relevant today:

“No one in their right mind, would expect someone to jump from not being able to read and write to becoming a laureate poet. Yet somehow the expectations that are being upheld for photography are a bit like that. We expect photos taken by people who yesterday did not even have a camera, to come up with at least good images, and if it does not happen then we should somehow be disappointed.” - Pedro Meyer via ZoneZero.com