Episode 93 : Using photography in your work
This episode is not about photography in itself, but about using photography as the source material. Both Laura & Peter use photography and have arrived at the same point in how they do so. For each of them photography is useful reference but not something to copy.
Show Notes
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Copyright: it’s essential that you’re working from either your own images or those that you have sought permission to use. Using other peoples images for inspiration is one thing; taking inspiration from them is OK, but blatant copying is an infringement of copyright. So do check before you start using photography in your work.
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Drawing vs Photography: Those artists who do use photography often use it in combination with drawing and sketching, especially in the planning and design stages of an art work. Drawing and sketching can give the eye a real chance to ‘see’ what is there instead of just ‘looking’ or ‘glancing’ at it.
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Reference material: See photographs as a reference tool, something that you refer to when working instead of being bound to copy them. Photos come into their worn when capturing those fleeting moments like wild weather conditions, an animated smile or speeding sporting moment. Photos are also extremely helpful when building up larger more complex works which utilise multiple reference images.
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Teaching: If using photos for teaching purposes, make sure you have the copyright to use them in the classroom and inform your students of the best practice of using them once they leave the classroom, such as exhibiting what they may have created with you.
Takeaway
As artists, we are all influenced directly or indirectly by photography and there are many positive ways to use it in making your finished artwork. Whatever way you choose to work with photography, always respect the copyright of the photographs you reference in your work.
This Podcast is sponsored by Michael Harding Colours. For more information about Michael’s colour range or to find a retailer near you, please visit www.michaelharding.co.uk
