Conceptual photography has become increasingly popular. Many digital camera enthusiasts have found they are able to produce amazing snapshots of visual objects in a special manner. If we have a brief look at the core of conceptual photography, we’ll find out it has a certain artistic and commercial aim as well. Conceptual photography takes its cue from conceptual art. The goal behind concept photography is to elicit an emotion form the person or persons who view the photograph. The person may feel as though they are actually part of the photograph rather than an impartial observer. Whether they laugh or cry, emotion is evoked from the photograph. In some cases, concept photography can also invoke memories that have been buried for some time. Concept photography can vary from an object to a person or even a group of persons. However, the goal of concept photography is to focus less on the actual object or subject of the photograph and instead focus on the emotions the photograph is meant to arouse. Concept photography is frequently used in marketing in order to advertise products. Such pictures are called conceptual stock photography and in fact it is of more use in this area than in any other. A single concept photograph can be used in a variety of applications, depending on the marketing message that is placed behind it. Though you can be given a lot of tips for taking concept photography, but to my mind, you have to possess an inexhaustible imagination to take a proper set of pics. One of the critical elements to taking concept photography is to make sure that you keep your eyes open for opportunities. Another technique is to associate words with the images you see. Do this first mentally before you actually shoot the photo. But it seems to me that the best way to achieve a certain degree of perfection in this phototrend is simply not be afraid to experiment with different angles and focal points. As for me personally, I rarely take pictures in conceptual genre and I do think it is really a hard job to do. I admire those photographers who can view the world around us through a prism of a certain message and transmit this important concept with the help of an abstract image.
I do admire those who have enough talent to make the photos of this kind. One has to have something in his mind, his own way of thinking and understanding of life to create these “frozen thoughts”. Conceptual photography demands a lot. I'd like to call it “daring” - one should have enough courage to reveal the hidden messages of ordinary things, to hint at smth other people don't even notice. While looking at these photos a great deal of ideas comes to my mind. Conceptual photos are always thought-provoking. May be that's why we do appreciate them.
MissJane, have you ever thought of taking up concetual photography as a hobby? For me. it is looking at familair objects in a new light, with a new spirit, for a new truth, under a new impression, without any judgement - just to invite the onlooker to share the light, the spirit, the truth, the impression. And to come to one's own judgement.
I tried to take some conceptual pics a few years ago, but they were the photos that made me understand I lack imagination at all. It was amusing though. I was really inspired to photograph images reflected on the glass-panes and some snapshots were quite satisfactory, I suppose.
No doubt, one should be talented and maybe extraordinary to embody such unusual ideas in pictures. But what if pictures of this kind replace classical photos?
They can't replace classical photos. Classic is immortal. As far as I understand, conceptual photography is one of the kinds of Photography as a form of Art. No matter what it shows and reveals, it is a photo.
