Fine Art & Self-Portraiture

What is Fine Art Photography?

Fine art photography, often called "photography art" or "artistic photography," is a form of photographic art where artists use photography as a means to express their creative vision. It involves creating images that convey unique ideas, emotions, or messages, distinct to the artist's perspective. These photographs are not intended for commercial purposes and contrast with documentary photography (Gallery, 2021).

What’s the Difference Between Photography and Fine Art Photography?

Today, with the prevalence of cell phone cameras, photography is accessible to nearly everyone, including children. However, the quality of photographs varies significantly, and there's a wide spectrum of photo styles. Defining photography as an art form can be challenging, as many forms of commercial photography do not fall into the category of fine art (Gallery, 2021).

What is a Self Portrait?

A self-portrait refers to a photograph taken by the individual pictured in it, meaning the photographer and the subject are the same person. Self-portraits can be created through various methods, including using a mirror (akin to the practices of traditional painters), handheld photography with the camera facing the photographer, employing a remote trigger, or utilizing a selfie stick.

Yet, it's important to note that a self-portrait transcends the concept of a simple selfie. It demands a certain level of professionalism in image quality, embraces portraiture-like compositions, and embodies an artistic approach. In essence, a self-portrait should be held to the same standards as a conventional photographic portrait, emphasizing the significance of skill and creativity in its creation (Dam, 2023).

Self-Portraiture Photographers

David Uzochukwu

David Uzochukwu, a photographer of Austrian-Nigerian descent, embarked on his journey into the realm of self-portraiture during his teenage years. His photographic endeavors are centered around themes of resilience and the profound exploration of belonging.

Remarkably, David Uzochukwu is presently pursuing a course in philosophy at HU Berlin. His foray into self-portraiture was initially motivated by a desire to undertake every role within a photoshoot. In his words, he explains, "I uncover fresh dimensions of myself with each self-portrait, experiencing emotions I had not previously recognized within me (Kenney et al., 2022)."

(The colour palette of this image makes it dramatic and the camera in the backdrop create a strong narrative)

Figure 1: (UZOCHUKWU, 2019)

(The depth of the backdrop and bokeh creates depth and makes this image stronger)

Figure 2: (UZOCHUKWU, 2019)

(The bath tub and colour grading makes this image stand out, and the viewer to question the narrative)

Figure 3: (UZOCHUKWU, 2019)

(The bed sheets can have different narratives and they also create depth which makes this image stand out)

Figure 4: (UZOCHUKWU, 2019)

David Uzochukwu's work is a captivating blend of several distinctive elements, each contributing to the unique character of his photography. His images are often described as intimate, drawing viewers into personal and emotive narratives that resonate deeply. Uzochukwu has a keen eye for creating visually pleasing compositions, which not only engage the viewer but also leave a lasting impression.

What sets his work apart is the careful incorporation of props and backdrops. These elements are thoughtfully selected and integrated to strengthen the visual impact of each image. They serve to add layers of meaning and aesthetic depth, making his photographs not just visually striking but also conceptually rich.

A dreamy quality pervades Uzochukwu's work, as he skillfully captures moments that transport the viewer into a world of imagination and wonder. This dreaminess is further accentuated by his penchant for exploring the unusual and the unexpected, infusing a sense of magic and unpredictability into his art.

Ultimately, the personal touch that Uzochukwu brings to his photography is a defining feature. His work often feels like a deeply introspective journey, allowing the viewer to glimpse into his inner world and connect with the emotions, thoughts, and experiences that underpin each photograph (Prad, 2014).

Jo Spence

Jo Spence, renowned primarily for her family and wedding photography, was a photographer who boldly pushed the boundaries of portraiture. Notably, her self-portrait series called "Brave" delved into the often unspoken taboos surrounding womanhood. Moreover, she used her art to shed light on issues related to class, societal norms, parenting, and the process of aging. Overcoming breast cancer was a testament to her resilience, although tragically, she succumbed to leukemia in 1992. Among her most celebrated works are the self-portraits captured shortly after her battle with breast cancer, reflecting her unflinching courage and unwavering spirit (Kenney et al., 2022).

(The lowkey lighting creates a strong emotional impacts which helps to strenghten the narrative behind the image which is also conveyed from the model/photographer face)

Figure 5: (Tate, 1979)

(The black and white makes the viewer look more into the narrative while also the writing helps to make the narrative clearer)

Figure 6: (Tate, 1979)

(The props, colour tones and facial expressions make this image stand out and stronger)

Figure 7: (Tate, 1979)

In spite of being officially categorized as 'self-portraiture,' Jo Spence's approach to photographing herself was often collaborative. Beginning in the mid-1980s, she engaged in 'phototherapy,' a form of peer-to-peer counseling that harnessed performance and portrait photography to express both political subjectivity and deeply personal traumas. In her work titled "Putting Myself in The Picture: A Political Personal and Photographic Autobiography" (1986), Spence articulated, "We are all locked into past histories of ourselves of which we are largely unaware, but by using reframing as a technique, anything can potentially be turned on its axis, words and images can take on new and different meanings and relationships, and old ideas can be transformed ( Sutcliffe, N.D)."

Spence adorns her body with symbolic markers associated with mythical and biblical women, such as Medusa, Salome, and Judith. This imagery playfully evokes age-old archetypes of women whose desires, whether sexual or violent, are seen as existential threats to male dominance. She uses props to convey these meanings while simultaneously diverting viewers from simplistic interpretations ( Sutcliffe, N.D).

Despite the profound connotations, Spence's photograph carries a sense of humor. The comparison of classical themes, novelty accessories, and creative elements of absurd humor. Humor was a powerful tool in Spence's creative arsenal, reflecting her self-designation as a cultural provocateur. Her work excelled at challenging established social skale and relationships, reshaping words and images to estrange and reorder meanings, as well as embracing her multifaceted identity as both the subject of her art and its author ( Sutcliffe, N.D).

References

Gallery, E. (2021) What is fine art photography definition?, Eden Gallery. Available at: https://www.eden-gallery.com/news/what-is-fine-art-photography#:~:text=Fine%20art%20photographs%20express%20an,the%20opposite%20of%20documentary%20photography. (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Gallery, E. (2021) What is fine art photography definition?, Eden Gallery. Available at: https://www.eden-gallery.com/news/what-is-fine-art-photography#:~:text=Fine%20art%20photographs%20express%20an,the%20opposite%20of%20documentary%20photography. (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Dam, P. (2023) Tips and tricks for taking self portraits - 42west, Adorama, Tips and Tricks for Taking Self Portraits. Available at: https://www.adorama.com/alc/self-portraits-tips/ (Accessed: 12 October 2023).

Kenney, K. et al. (2022) Beyond the selfie: 19 famous self portrait photographers, Photography Course. Available at: https://photographycourse.net/famous-self-portrait-photographers/ (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Prad (2014) Dark and intense self-portraits of David Uzochukwu, My Portrait Hub. Available at: https://myportraithub.com/dark-and-intense-self-portraits-of-david-uzochukwu/ (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Kenney, K. et al. (2022) Beyond the selfie: 19 famous self portrait photographers, Photography Course. Available at: https://photographycourse.net/famous-self-portrait-photographers/ (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Sutcliffe, A.S. (no date) Jo Spence, Jo Spence - National Portrait Gallery. Available at: https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/reframing-narratives-women-in-portraiture/female-focus-page/jo-spence (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Sutcliffe, A.S. (no date) Jo Spence, Jo Spence - National Portrait Gallery. Available at: https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/reframing-narratives-women-in-portraiture/female-focus-page/jo-spence (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Sutcliffe, A.S. (no date) Jo Spence, Jo Spence - National Portrait Gallery. Available at: https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/reframing-narratives-women-in-portraiture/female-focus-page/jo-spence (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Figure References

Figure 1: UZOCHUKWU, D. (2019) I, other, David Uzochukwu. Available at: https://www.daviduzochukwu.com/ (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Figure 2: UZOCHUKWU, D. (2019) I, other, David Uzochukwu. Available at: https://www.daviduzochukwu.com/ (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Figure 3: UZOCHUKWU, D. (2019) I, other, David Uzochukwu. Available at: https://www.daviduzochukwu.com/ (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Figure 4: UZOCHUKWU, D. (2019) I, other, David Uzochukwu. Available at: https://www.daviduzochukwu.com/ (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Figure 5: Tate (1979) Jo Spence 1934–1992, Tate. Available at: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/jo-spence-18272 (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Figure 6: Tate (1979) Jo Spence 1934–1992, Tate. Available at: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/jo-spence-18272 (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Figure 7: Tate (1979) Jo Spence 1934–1992, Tate. Available at: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/jo-spence-18272 (Accessed: 13 October 2023).