In today's article I present to you a type of photography that perhaps you have heard from afar, or you have been afraid to approach, or you have tried but you have remained in the intention. This is conceptual photography. A type of photography that can be a very broad field, although no matter how extensive it is, all the works have a clear common denominator, expressing an idea, a concept.
This seems so complex, it is not if you know how to carry it out. That is why today I am telling you in a few simple keys so that you can achieve your first conceptual photography. And that, instead of getting frustrated and throwing in the towel, you want to keep trying. If you don't, it may be because it doesn't suit you, you don't like the experience and you're more into other types of photographic genres . But let it not be for not knowing where to start or how to execute. That's why we are in the Photographer's Blog;).
WHAT IS CONCEPTUAL PHOTOGRAPHY?
If we say landscape photography , it's easier, but if we talk about artistic photography , for example, or conceptual photography as in this case, things get a bit complicated, right? It seems that the limits are less clear and the concepts can be confused or mixed. So you don't miss out, a definition straight to the point: conceptual photography is one that tries, with an image, to convey a generally abstract idea.
CURRENTS WITHIN CONCEPTUAL PHOTOGRAPHY
It could be said that there are two types of currents within this discipline:
- The one that tries to make the message as clear and universal as possible. The idea is that everyone who looks at the photograph understands the message immediately and without misunderstanding. In this type of photography, the messages are clear, with simpler images, without distractions.
- Another stream that sends more subjective messages, with more complex ideas that leave possible interpretations open for the viewer to draw their own conclusions. In this case, the risk is greater, since the viewer may not understand the message or even see that there is an underlying message. Here, the photographs can be more complex, with more symbols or even more overloaded with elements.
To get a clearer idea, I definitely recommend that you take a look at the work of Chema Madoz . He is one of the best conceptual photographers ever (and my favourite). His message is clear, direct and his images are staged but not retouched. you can see herea documentary about his work.
APPLICATIONS OF CONCEPTUAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Beyond the artistic connotations that conceptual photography can have due to the fact that it is photography, there are some applications or outlets for this discipline.
- Advertising photography. Advertising photography does not only intend to show a product, an object, but rather tries to associate that product with a message or idea, from the idea of happiness to that of freedom, to give a few examples. Advertising has a great ally with conceptual photography and makes the most of it.
- Image banks. If you are looking to expand your job opportunities as a photographer, you can consider the possibility of creating conceptual images to sell through image banks . These images are used both for advertising and to illustrate articles (like this or any other type), either in digital or print media.
- Social complaint. Conceptual photography, although it is very different from documentary photography, is also used as a social complaint, to portray the society that surrounds us, as a call for reflection.
If you identify with any of these reasons, or you are simply curious or like to experiment and try new photographic styles, I encourage you to continue reading to discover the keys that will help you achieve conceptual photography.
RETOUCH YES OR NO?
Although first of all we will talk about a topic that can be controversial. Many of the conceptual images imply a large dose of manipulation or digital retouching. Now, is it necessary? No, it is not. It could be said that this is one of the most creative disciplines and one that requires the photographer's imagination the most, because the idea can be conveyed without the need for Photoshop or any other photo retouching program. In fact, I have commented before, the great Chema Madoz, does not achieve his photos with retouching, but with ingenuity. Ingenuity and imagination can amply replace retouching or photographic manipulation .
What's more, the more real an image seems, the more simple and direct, the more it will impact and reach the public. Sometimes you see conceptual photographs where the result is more due to a computer creation and can end up grating on the brain. If you want an efficient message, better get to the point.
On the other hand, retouching programs exist as a powerful tool that opens up a whole world of possibilities and that, of course, can be used for your own benefit and the message you want to convey. This tool is not required but it can help.
In the end, the important thing is not going to be if retouching has been done or not, but if it has an impact on the public, if the underlying message reaches them. The choice is yours ;).
HOW TO DO CONCEPTUAL PHOTOGRAPHY?
In this case, the way of working is different from how we usually proceed. Normally you grab your camera and go in search of landscapes, emotions, beautiful scenery, street snapshots, etc. You seek to capture the beauty of what surrounds you or immortalize moments, for example. There is a reality that you photograph, although in the process you modify that reality through composition, speed or any other photographic technique that you have at your fingertips. In conceptual photography you create that reality . Nothing is random, it requires planning (although it is possible to catch it by chance, it is rare). Shooting is the ultimate.
STEPS TO FOLLOW FOR A CONCEPTUAL PHOTOGRAPH
Below I detail the seven steps to follow to achieve a photograph of this type:
1. SEARCH FOR AN IDEA OR CONCEPT
The first thing you have to decide is what idea or concept you want to convey with your photography. It can be what you can think of, from death to freedom, going through economic or family crisis. Anything goes.
2. CHOOSE THE MESSAGE
With the same concept, very different messages can be expressed. In this second step you will have to decide which one you want to send to the viewer. It can be a positive or negative message.
3. DEFINE AUDIENCE
It is not the same if the photograph is aimed at a young audience than at a more adult or mature one, it is not the same if it is aimed at women or men, your audience may be the workers of a specific company, or of a specific city . Define the audience and it will help you refine in the next step.
4. BRAINSTORM
Once you have the idea and the message, and your defined audience, you will have to decide how to transmit it. To do this, you can brainstorm what you relate to the concept and the message. From adjectives to situations, people, places, etc., always taking into account the people to whom it is addressed so that it matches the symbology, the colors, the place, etc.
5. DISPLAY THE IMAGE
You have a first sketch in your hands, the first ideas on the table, now try to visualize them in your mind, imagine how your photograph can be. You can even imagine different scenes. Stay with the one you like the most, the one you see clearest or the one you find most comfortable to execute, this will have a better result and the desire to repeat ;).
6. SET THE STAGE
The time has come to build your reality, prepare the objects, the lighting, the ideal setting and everything you can think of to achieve the image you have visualized.
7. EXECUTION
Well yes, it is a photograph in which the important thing is the message, but... do you think you can forget about a good exposure ? Or a good composition ? Absolutely. Your image must be correct on a technical level, with a good focus , well exposed and with a careful composition, otherwise the public will not stop to look at it, and so... how will the message reach them?
INSPIRATION IN CONCEPTUAL PHOTOGRAPHY
To finish I leave you with some conceptual authors so that you can continue delving into this type of photography:
- Chema Madoz
- Jordi Larroch
- amy stein
- david levinthal
I hope this article has been so inspiring that you can't resist grabbing a pen and paper to start putting your ideas down. If so, I am going to ask you a favor, that you share it so that other people can also try a bite of this interesting photographic discipline. Scoops of ideas for everyone!
