Playing with the Digital Art: PhotographyI do not feel like I am the best person to be writing this, but I wanted to give some attention to the digital arts, especially photography to the best of my ability.
I know there is not a chapter about these arts in the book Hidden Art, but during Mrs. Schaeffer’s time these were not developed anywhere near the extent to which they are developed today. I believe the digital arts can be just as valuable and fulfill the same longings to create that many of the other arts can. There are differences, but each one can be an art.
I especially like these arts because they seem to be the perfect place for many to enter into the arts. There are many people who are more technical in their thinking and because of the way that the arts have been presented to them they seem to think that they are not the art type. I think some of this has to do with the way our culture tries to define art. Katerina Kern talks about this in her post about Painting. In contrast to what our culture says about an art we know that art is anything that attends to the nature of the recipient, has principles of action and reason, and makes provision for the soul’s highest interest. I feel that as long as we can attend to these principles the digital arts can be a way to participate in culture, inspire and edify those around us, and enjoy creating for ourselves.
Because of the popularity of these arts there is no lack of tutorials, Pinterest boards, and the like to inform and inspire. Therefore, I am going to list out some resources I think are worthy rather than reiterating what thousands have already said.
Photography
Photography is a fun art to play with. Photography actually means writing with light so naturally I love it. There is an incredible range of equipment and tutorials out there. Especially with the improvement of the camera phone it seems everyone is an amateur photographer. Be sure to keep a Pinterest board of inspiration and ideas for your own photography.
Here are some places I have visited to learn about photography and improve my skills.
Complete Courses
Grammar, forums, and tutorials
Photography Glossary of terms and concepts
Understanding Light and the f-stop
Tips & Inspiration
My ‘Writing with Light’ Photography Pinterest Board
National Geographic Photography Inspiration
A Beautiful Mess Photography Resources
The only comments I would add is to think about what you read through the definition of art we have been playing with, doing so will enrich our experience with each of these arts. In addition, the principles of imitation and practice apply here just like they do in everything else we have discussed during this series. Finally, find a mentor and learn from them.
Way to use photography every day:
Do your own family photos or barter with a friend to save money or if you feel comfortable do a photo-shoot for a friend. Here is a picture from my best friend’s engagement pictures. We had so much fun that day. Those will be memories we keep forever.
Take close up photos for interesting nature study projects
Take close up photos of nature to study the elements and principles of design in nature
Take pictures and hang them up like garland around your home.
Use an empty frame and a string horizontally across from side to side. Then clip photographs along the string.
Help out at events your children are in by offering to take a few photos
Learn along with your children
I think the main reason I love playing with photography so much is because you can capture unhindered moments, where for a brief moment a person allows their true nature to shine out. It is exhilarating to see.
Are you more interested in playing with another form within the digital art? I do not know much about these arts, but I can tell you 4 principles that will guide you in finding the right resources for learning.
1. Find a mentor
Look for someone who does the art well. Then connect with them. Pray and ask God to bring someone into your life that can help you in this area. You may be surprised at what happens. My mentor for photography was my neighbor. She lived by herself and had some health issues, so we mowed her lawn, cooked her food sometimes, and just did life together. She was passionate about photography and was excited to pass her knowledge on to someone else. I never paid her, and she never paid me. It was the beauty of community.
2. Imitate
You know the drill here. Find great works within whatever art you are learning. Study them and imitate them. When you study them see if you can discern the principles of reason and action, as Socrates would say.
3. Practice
Do the thing. If you are like me, you will want to study and study and learn and study, but there comes a point when you need to just do the thing.
4. Look for great resources
How do you know a resource is great? Of course, you can ask for recommendations from trustworthy people. In addition, you can look for related resources that seem to speak about the nature of the art. Are they using language that seems to fit with the words art, philosophy, principles, forms, reason, etc…? If you can find resources like that, you know you have found a gem.
Are any of you already playing with the art of videography, graphic design, or web design? What resources do you recommend? Do you have any tips for us? I look forward to hearing from you.
Expanding wisdom, extending grace,Jen
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| This part is a member of our 31 Days of Playing with the Arts Series |
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