That’s a Photograph?

My final images start life as a photograph. My final work is, quite often, heavily edited, becoming what could be described as digital art.

Pastel Light

Over the past few years I’ve utilized many abstract techniques, resulting in hundreds of interesting, intriguing & inspirational images. I love to stretch the boundaries of the camera’s and my artistic abilities.

In some images, because I use a subtle hand, people have to move up close to see the textures and manipluations. In others, the effect is obvious. The image tells me how it wants to end up.

Some of my favourite pieces start life as a poor quality photograph... what others would consider as a mistake. It may be under or over exposed. It may be out of focus. It may be blurry, or have some other flaw that many would reject out of hand. However, I tend to see that the image still holds potential, whether it’s because of the composition, the movement in the image, the colours, or some other factor. My parameters of a good final image are different than others.

What DO I look for in an image?

Samples of different techniques I have used to create my images.

That’s a question that I ask myself for every abstract image I create. What is there? Why do I like this version of the image better than another? My answer is that it’s a feeling. There are some technical aspects of an image that I prefer, especially when I use Intentional Camera Movement (ICM). I tend to avoid over-exposed streaks of light. I tend to use radial zooms sparingly. I use complex movements, and a combination of shifting focus and zoom simultaneously.

Camera Tossing

Camera Tossing. If you want your heart to skip a beat, try this with a professional camera and lens combination (not mine).

My trickiest technique is called camera tossing, where I press the shutter on a timer, the throw the camera, spinning it, with the shutter opening just after I toss it, then closing before I catch the it. The result is beautiful spiral abstracts. I love this technique, but it scares the bejeebers out of me, just the same. I actually had one of the internal wires come loose during one of the tosses. It cost a few dollars for the repair, but I think the ends justify the means. Would I recommend you try it? Only if you’re confident in your catching abilities, or have the budget to fix a broken lens or camera.

Editing

These are all the same image, using different editing styles.

I love editing my images as much as I enjoy capturing them. Once I see the photo on my computer screen my creative juices start to flow. Sometimes I see the completed image in my mind when I first see the piece. At other times I let it speak to me as I go along, deciding to use various programs to enhance the look until I end up with my digital final. Depending on the image I’ll electrify it, add textures, turn it into a watercolour or other style of painting. It’s at this stage that the image really takes on its own life.

Printing

My wide format printer has been getting a workout lately.

When I first got into photography, my goal was to print my pieces and offer them to sale through art fairs, galleries, interior designers and decorators and home decor retail. By making the investment in a large format printer and exhibiting at art fairs this year, I have taken the next step in the process. I have to say that I love printing my work and seeing the looks on people’s faces when they first see my work. It’s so gratifying seeing the images that I create sitting on someone’s wall, knowing that they’re going to enjoy that piece for years.

Is It a Photograph?

Many photographers don’t consider my work to be “photography”. They prefer that I call it digital art. I suppose they’re correct, but does a label make it something different than what it is? Some in the art world say that my work has less value than if I’d used a brush and paint, and that’s an interesting observation. To my mind, it’s not the medium. It’s my vision that is brought into the real world. Whether it’s done with pixels, photographic emulsions, paint or other media, the most important thing for me is to bring joy to those who see my work. I’ll let others argue the merits of the various tools that I use to create my final work.

Exhibiting My Work

I’m building a collection of my prints. Much of it is abstract and digital art , some of it is straight up photography (if that’s still an applicable label), with some minor editing. All of it brings me joy, as I hope it does for others. I’m hoping that through this process I can carve out a living doing what I love. I can with the support of people who love my work and decide to hang it on their walls.

Get In Touch

If you like (or love) my work, please contact me. You can find me on all the major social media outlets (give or take). I wecome feedback, and would love if you consider purchasing something for your walls.

Cheers

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Ian_G_ McIntosh Photo Blog

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The chronicle of my journey into photography by Ian G McIntosh Photography, from the beginning of time (at least what I can remember).

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