Note by Uwe Steinmueller: All the considerations outlined by Alain below can be discussed at our Summit with other photographers and the instructors.
1 - Become an expert in light
The most important aspect of photography is not the gear you own or the techniques you use
The most important aspect of photography is light
2 - Compose your images carefully
Slow down
Use a viewfinder
Walk the scene
Give equal importance to all the areas of the frame
Refine your compositions progressively
3 - Study colors and contrast
Study the contrast of the scenes you photograph
Study the color palette of the scenes you photograph
4 - Focus on quality not quantity.
The goal of Fine Art is not to create a lot of images
The goal of fine art is to make a small number of great images to be enjoyed for a long time
5 – Master both art and technique
Fine art is about both art and technique
Do not study just one or the other
Study and practice so that you master both
6 - Master all the aspects of Fine Art Photography
Photography is a multi-parts process
These include composition, conversion, optimization, printing, curating, exhibiting, etc.
Learn how to complete each step to fine art standards
7 - Optimize your photographs using layers in Photoshop.
Don't do all the optimization work in the raw converter.
8 - Make the final print your goal
Do not just learn how to take and optimize photographs.
Learn how to print them well.
Nothing is as beautiful as a fine art print.
Photographs in books, magazines, on the web, etc. are all reproductions
9 - Mat and present your work in a professional manner.
The print is not the end of the process.
A Fine Art photograph needs to be matted and framed.
10 - Focus your work and efforts on projects
Don't photograph everything that attracts your eye.
Be selective and deliberate in your choice of subject matter
11- Share your work with others and build an audience
Do not keep your prints in boxes
Learn how to exhibit and promote your work so you can share them with others
It is by exhibiting your work that you will find an audience.
12-Do not try to recreate the wheel.
Instead, learn from those who know and teach how to do what you want to do
Get advice from those who are where you want to be
13- Develop a Personal Style
This is what will make you stand out from everyone else
14-Do not expect success overnight.
It takes time to do this well.
Patience, perseverance and not giving up are the keys to success.
You can only progress step by step
15-Do not overestimate talent.
Talent is not within our control.
Hard work and not giving up are.
Many more succeed because of hard work than because of talent.
We succeed because we control what we do.
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