To succeed in photography do I have to be good at art?

Question

pretty self explanatory.

Answer 1

Good photograhy IS an art. I know what you're asking though. You need to be good with composition, lines, angles, light sources, etc.

There is a huge difference between a "picture" and a "photograph".

Answer 2

Photography IS ART.....

art is so many different things.

this is a very, very bad question

Answer 3

In a word no.  I too am color blind and could not draw a straight line if my life depended on it.  As already stated photography is an art in itself. The word comes from Greek and actually means drawing with light.  Whether that light is hitting a film plane or sensor it is drawing an image and the art is how the photographer captures the scene.  

Answer 4

You'll need to be good at understanding art concepts...but not necessarily have formal training in art.

What I mean is that you will need to develop your composition, and understand techniques that create a good photograph.  Such as using the landscape to help create an illusion of depth, how to frame your subjects in an interesting way, how to use the light to give more details to your subjects and make them appear more three-dimensional.  But you don't need to be an artist beforehand.  You don't have to be a painter or anything.  Photography is art.

The other thing is that just because someone is good at other forms of art, it doesn't guarantee that they will be good at photography.  There are certain technical aspects they will have to learn - depth of field, getting the right exposure, whether to freeze motion or show motion, etc.  This is one reason why photography is so fascinating...it's a creative art, but there is also a very technical aspect to it.

I would say that traditional photography with film is even more "artistic" because the entire process is hands-on.  You are truly working with light and a real tangible medium.  If that makes any sense.  It's just my opinion though.  



You can learn to be good at photography without any prior experience with art...as long as you have the passion and determination to learn.

Answer 5

yeah, no, but it helps to be interested in art.

and the concepts of seeing light and understanding a pleasing composition of objects.

also if you are interested in selling images beyond direct to the subject, the people who buy photographs WILL know about art and be able to spot your references to known Photographers or other artists.

Answer 6

I do not believe that you do----

have done several weddings and i am color blind and could never do anything re: art

just catching the unusual candid picture is great for individuals

but setting up for outside i stick with black and white --- thus color

is not a problem

if you are in a city that has  shows for local photographers---go and visit

Answer 7

It would help if you did, REALLY help.

It also depends on what type of photography you like ex: nature, war, fashion.

And it contributes to photography because then it gives it more meaning and then you have more to work on.  

Answer 8

Unless your going into photojournalism, CSI, military, police, or other like related areas of photography, no...!

However, YES..! A well composed image can make or break a photo regardless of who may be viewing. Granted, all the composition factors taught at all the photo schools can apply here and with out a doubt, you will be judged by them who have been there...

The photo concepts mentioned above normally do not need the concepts given to - art photography - but in a CSI like photo, to show the pool of blood then the wavy trail up the hall could be a key element in the whole crime scene, and your photo did it like it was a meadow stream flanked by wild flowers.. Get the idea..?

In general, YES.. You have to be good at art. Color. Composition. Detail. DOF - Depth Of Field. Vision and sight...

You don't have to good at oil painting, playing with plaster or making beaded jewelry.. You DO have to be good at vision, composition, seeing contrasts, colors, shadows and just - things.... that can make for a curious or interesting photograph..AND have the family jewels to photograph them..

Bob - Tucson