Here's the thing: I don't care how much money or time you've put in it so far, but photography is one of the easiest ways to make art. The democratization of this medium has made it so accessible, that you can literally create art with your iPhone. Everyone's fine with that and they feel empowered, and that's a good thing. But remember this kids, gold is expensive because it's scarce. In order for something to have true value, it shouldn't be available to everyone. Photography is, thanks to technology.
That's why there's always going to be a debate about whether photography belongs with the other arts or not. No matter how you put, it takes a lot more work and studying to learn how to draw and paint. And hard work is something that frightens a lot of people who simply prefer to take snapshots, slap a few filters on them and upload to Instagram.
(Success Tip #1: Get creative photo ideas in a flash!)
So when I found this portrait of Morgan Freeman online, I didn't get really excited about anything. There are certainly better portraits of the actor on the web. It was only after I found out it wasn't a photograph at all that I had to pick up my jaw from the floor.
You see, this relatively common portrait of Morgan Freeman wasn't taken with a camera. It was drawn. With fingers. On an iPad. Artist Kyle Lambert recreated a portrait from photographer Scott Gries's portfolio using a $6 app. It took him over 200 hours of work and over 285,000 brush strokes. That's to give you an idea of what is really behind this kind of work.
(Success Tip #2: Take people's photos anywhere and sell them easily!)
To see the entire creative process, check out the awesome video posted by Lambert himself.
Learn more about portrait photography from these recommended books:
- Direction & Quality of Light: Your Key to better Portrait Photography Anywhere
- Essential Elements of Portrait Photography: lighting and Posing Techniques to Make Everyone Look Their Best
- Lighting &Design for Portrait Photography: Direction & Quality of Light