Conceptual Photography – The Story Behind the Shot

What is conceptual photography, and can anyone practice it? Images are one of the easiest forms of communicating otherwise complex topics and themes without the need for a specific language. However, there are certain techniques and approaches to learn when trying to produce conceptually driven photography. In this article, we will unpack the definition of conceptual photography, as well as the development of this genre of photography, key principles, and common techniques you need to learn about the genre. Read on for an in-depth analysis of conceptual photography

An Introduction to Conceptual Photography
Images can reflect patterns in our everyday life that mirror both the abstract and real parts of ourselves through the mechanics of the camera. Since the mid-20th century, art has become increasingly rooted in concept, and as such, conceptual art remains one of the most intriguing forms of art to date. What makes conceptual art so profound? To create art that is rooted in impactful theory and concepts that reflect the meaning of life and its complex nuances is what makes conceptual art so alluring. In photography, the concept is also applied to showcase new ways of viewing and appreciating portraits, landscapes, and objects that embody meaning in ways that would otherwise be overlooked.

Since conceptual art and photography are so closely linked, conceptual photography is understood as the art of creating images that evoke emotions and abstract ideas as opposed to creating images that exist purely for aesthetic value. While there is nothing wrong with creating visually pleasing images, one can transform their photography practice drastically by considering the genre of conceptual photography more strategically. Conceptual photography allows us to see the world through emotions, as one would in a painting, as layered with meaning despite the two-dimensional nature of images.

In conceptual art, photography introduces multiple dimensions of perception that involve the artist’s skillful use of digital manipulation, exaggeration, and editing to create the most impactful image and relay the concept. The basis of conceptual photography is thus to express one’s concept through visual images and the details within the image.
Tracing the Evolution of Conceptual Images in Art

Since the development of the first photographic processes, artists have leveraged photography to capture images, people, and ideas. Self-Portrait of a Drowned Man by Hippolyte Bayard was shot in 1840 and is considered to be among the first staged images in the world. The origin of conceptual photography emerged alongside conceptual art in the 1960s, as well as early inquiries into video art and new media.Pioneering figures such as Dennis Oppenheim and Richard Long adopted temporary forms of art in performance, which were described as “deadpan” and characterized by works that appeared documentary and as realistic as possible. The documentary approach was adopted by many photographers in the 20th century, including photography icon Alfred Stieglitz, who fortunately captured Marcel Duchamp’s urinal sculpture before it went missing. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, conceptual art required artists to prioritize the concept behind an artwork or image before its physical appearance or properties.

Photographers applied concepts to their images through staging, which naturally occurred in the 19th century when many photographers experimented with the medium. One of the earliest examples of conceptual photography was the image Leap into the Void (1960) shot by Yves Klein. Since then, many artists explore this notion of staged imagery in conceptual art to convey a clear message through props and models. One might also find conceptual photography prevalent in advertising and media. What made conceptual photography stand out to many was the possibility of reinterpreting themes and ideas of the past as new concepts that could be used for a variety of purposes.

The Core Principles of Conceptual Photography
What are the foundations of conceptual images? One of the main principles of conceptual photography is its ability to convey the inner state of an artist and elicit provocative emotions. Similar to cinematography, photography can capture an entire narrative, however, still images produced in photography can be a challenge to convey the entire story. Conceptual photography enables artists to use almost any element at their disposal to visually illustrate a story within a single frame. The art of conceptual photography has also allowed artists to convey complex emotions related to human experiences.

Symbolism and metaphors enable photographers to convey emotions, ideas, and narratives using an arrangement of visual elements. In conceptual photography practices, the images do not simply become representations of reality, but rather mediums through which one can interpret deeper meanings. The use of metaphors in conceptual photography can be used strategically. Metaphors can be used on one element to represent a completely different element and thus create a connection that encourages viewers to explore the underlying messages of an image further. Similar to metaphors, symbolism can also be used in conceptual photography. Two arranged colors, objects, compositions, and various visual elements to address concepts that pertain to abstract themes.

With this in mind, artists can use various techniques and strategies to plan their conceptual shoots. One can consider concept development as the first step to ideating their concept and generating symbols and metaphors that are aligned with the core concept. One would also have to consider visual elements that effectively convey the concept. It is useful to keep in mind that each visual element should contribute to the overarching narrative of the image. You can incorporate various visual elements such as different backgrounds, colors, objects, props, and lighting to enhance the narrative. Additionally, the lighting and mood are also incredibly important to determining the overall mood, intensity, and tension of your image, and are best applied in sub-genres such as conceptual portraiture.

To further emphasize symbolism and help guide the viewer’s eye, techniques in composition and framing can be employed to enhance the impact of the image. Planning your conceptual shoot also involves thinking about how you want your narrative to flow. This means that you need to think about how you want to convey your message most effectively, and what storytelling techniques you would like to employ in the process. Attention to detail in post-processing can also enhance the symbols and messages in your image.

Embracing Creative Concepts and Themes
So, what kind of creative concepts and themes can one incorporate into conceptual photography, and can this be used beyond fine art? If you are new to the field of conceptual photography, then it is key to explore the different kinds of creative concepts and themes that you can incorporate into your practice to achieve the greatest impact.

Exploring Surrealism and Fantasy in Conceptual Photography
Conceptual photography can encompass creative themes and concepts that relate to fantasy and surrealism, which enables artists to explore more powerful means of creative expression. Since conceptual photography relies on the creativity of the artist, one can easily explore the depths of their imagination and test the boundaries of reality by including certain processes and techniques to evoke Surrealism and fantasy.
Artists can incorporate otherworldly symbols, scenarios, or dreamlike representations in their conceptual photography process to add a level of fantastical engagement. Furthermore, with the advancement of technology. And editing software artists are better equipped to leverage digital manipulation and post-processing. Techniques that can help you achieve a variety of fantasy and surrealist effects. Artists can also edit the proportions of the elements in the photo without drastically altering the quality of the image. Conceptual photography can also employ imaginative settings through the construction of elaborate sets and include unconventional shooting locations and special effects to enhance the visual impact of the shoot.

Another element that is equally as important as digital manipulation and creativity in the shoot itself is developing the narrative and concept behind the shoot, and determining what aspects of Surrealism or fantasy one would like to highlight. It is also important to remember that surrealist imagery also symbolizes deeper psychological emotions and themes, so thinking about the core concept and narrative is important to determine the result of your image. By playing with the scale of the elements in the image, one can either shrink or enlarge certain elements to provide a sense of disorientation. Furthermore, the use of visual metaphors can help artists to translate ideas into visual symbols and provide images that are thought-provoking. When planning your shoot, it is also important to try to sketch or create a storyboard of the scene to help you visualize your narrative.

Abstract Concepts: Expressing Intangible Ideas Through Images
Another benefit of practicing conceptual photography is the opportunity to express intangible ideas and abstract concepts via strategically organized elements in an image. Artists employ a variety of techniques to create compelling images that explore abstract concepts. These include the use of visual storytelling through ambiguity, juxtaposition, metaphors, and symbolism. To achieve intangible elements such as a specific emotion or mood, conceptual photographers leverage the elements of composition, lighting, and color to evoke abstract concepts related to nostalgia, love, and fear.

To add further food for thought, artists can skillfully leverage elements such as visual ambiguity and juxtaposition to create tension between opposites in an image, as well as invite viewers to engage with the elements of the image by stimulating a range of emotions and meanings. Visual abstraction is another technique employed by conceptual artists who explore abstract themes by utilizing non-representational images and experimenting with different textures, shapes, patterns, and colors.

Intangible themes such as the passage of time can also be represented through the use of visual cues such as multiple exposures, juxtaposition, and motion blur imagery. Such evocative visuals can also help one to explore existential themes that relate to the human condition and identity while making viewers question their sense of reality.

Conceptual Images with Social and Environmental Commentary
One of the most profound themes that one can explore in conceptual photography is social and environmental commentary, which can be used to raise awareness and inspire action on various social or environmental issues. By selecting relevant themes that pertain to environmental and social issues, artists can drive significant social impact on themes related to climate change, human rights, and inequality.

Artists who integrate social and environmental commentary in their conceptual photography usually employ various techniques, such as the use of symbolism, metaphorical associations, and in-depth research into the perspectives that they wish to represent.

Such images that touch on important social and environmental issues tend to either approach the imagery as subtle or direct and include a well-constructed narrative of the story it addresses. Irony is another powerful tool that can be used to stimulate visual contrast and invite viewers to engage with the images that are presented, versus the reality of the situation.

Manipulating Light and Shadow
There are various ways to manipulate light and shadow to create dramatic effects in conceptual photography. It is important to remember that lighting can enhance the mood, atmosphere, and storytelling of your series. As such, paying attention to the direction of light, as well as how it influences the mood can add depth and drama, while creating interesting effects. Employ side lighting to create drama in an image, as well as strong contrasts to add a sense of mystery by adjusting the intensity of the light.

Pay careful attention to how the shadows interact with the visual elements and symbols of the image, as well as the type of light you choose, which can be either hard or soft light, to produce gradual transitions and sharply defined shadows. Using light modifiers called gobos or filters can be used to produce unique patterns and textures that can enhance the mood.

One can also use balanced cards, reflectors, and diffusers to manipulate the way that your shadow falls on certain objects. Important points to ponder over include deciding whether to use natural or artificial lights, or a combination of both, to control the shoot’s ambiance, as well as the kind of exposure you want to use considering your light source, and the effect you want to achieve in the final image.

Creating Visual Depth: Multiple Layers and Double Exposure
To add visual depth and insert a new dimension of complexity within conceptual photography, artists can employ multiple layers and double exposure techniques. This involves layering elements in the photograph’s composition to create a sense of dimension and depth. By considering the elements of the image such as the middle ground, foreground, and background, one can add further layers to enhance the meaning of the image.