In a world where everyone has a phone that takes pretty good pictures, it can feel like everyone’s a ‘photographer’ these days. As a result, the true value of professional photography often gets overlooked. Many people struggle to understand what sets one photographer apart from another. But those who book a portrait session with me quickly see, and appreciate, the Fine Art difference.

First, let’s clear up what fine art photography isn’t, because it’s often misunderstood. It’s not just about snapping a memory or event without artistic intention—that’s more in the realm of snapshots or photojournalism. Fine art is something entirely different.

When I first started photographing portraits, and even while studying portraiture, I wasn’t too sure of the difference between a standard portrait and a fine art portrait. And I don’t expect others to know it off the bat either! At some point, I came across a photographer whose fine art portraits absolutely blew me away -  his work was timeless, painterly, and unlike anything I’d seen.

Traditional portraits aim to produce a clear, flattering image of the subject, while fine art portraiture goes beyond that. It seeks to create a visually captivating and emotionally impactful piece of art. These are not just photos—they’re crafted to become wall art. You might hear it referred to as "décor photography" because it’s designed with the intent to be displayed as part of your home. Unlike documentary photography, which focuses on capturing reality as it unfolds, fine art photography is about intentional creation—building an image that’s both visually striking and emotionally moving.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve often wished I had more photographs from my earlier years—images of myself at 15, 20, or 25. Unfortunately, I have very few. It’s a bit frustrating not having that visual record of my younger self. Interestingly, I do have more photos of my parents and grandparents than of myself, and there’s one in particular—a portrait of my grandfather—that stands out. He passed away when he was sixty, but the portrait has endured and continues to remind me of his presence. I think that’s what eventually drew me to Fine Art Portraits. These images, meant to hang proudly on your wall, have a way of evoking nostalgia and creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

A few key features define fine art portraiture, including dramatic lighting, often using techniques like the Baroque triangle or the intense, shadowy lighting reminiscent of Rembrandt. What makes these portraits stand out is the meticulous attention to detail—from the bold contrast between light and shadow to the careful retouching that gives the final image a painterly quality. It’s about creating something timeless—something you’ll find yourself drawn to again and again.