Featured Acadedy Artist: Gill Davies

Artwork: Whispering Leaves

Whispering Leaves began its life as a photograph, but its journey did not end there. Through a growing confidence in the creative process and a willingness to experiment, the image evolved into a quiet, expressive artwork that moves well beyond documentation.

Gill’s journey into art photography started with the Getting Started in Art Photography programme, where she was first introduced to the idea that photography could be more than capture — it could become a starting point for creative interpretation. As she progressed into Going Further in Art Photography, her understanding of process deepened, and experimentation became an essential part of her workflow.

Working with Whispering Leaves, Gill began by developing the photograph in Photoshop, using Generative Expansion to refine and extend the visual space. From there, the image moved into a more tactile phase. Acrylic overlays and finely patterned glass were introd...

When a Photograph Becomes a Painting

Exploring the Creative Possibilities of Photoshop with Samantha Lee Osner

There’s something magical about watching a photograph evolve into an artwork — not with traditional paint or canvas, but through a thoughtful and artistic process in Photoshop. It’s a creative space where the boundaries between photography and painting begin to blur, allowing for a more interpretive, emotion-led form of visual expression.

In recent years, artists have increasingly turned to Photoshop not just as a tool for editing, but as a platform for making art. One standout example comes from Samantha Lee Osner’s course, Photoshop for the Artist, where she teaches how to transform a black and white photograph into a hand-painted digital masterpiece.

The lesson is gentle, immersive, and surprisingly intuitive. Samantha takes you step-by-step through her process, showing how to layer colour and depth onto a monochrome image using nothing more than the tools within Photos...

In the world of digital photography, one of the fundamental decisions photographers must make is whether to shoot in RAW or JPG format. While both file types have their uses, understanding their key differences can significantly impact the quality of your final images. In this blog, we will explore the essential differences between a RAW file and a JPG file and why shooting in RAW format is crucial for achieving the best possible results.

What is a RAW File?

A RAW file is essentially a data file captured directly from the camera’s sensor. It contains unprocessed image information, preserving all the details, colours, and tonal range without any in-camera modifications. Unlike JPG files, RAW files do not undergo compression, sharpening, or colour adjustments at the moment of capture. Instead, they need to be processed manually in software such as Adobe Camera Raw, Lightroom, or Capture One.

What is a JPG File?

A JPG file, on the other hand, is a pixel file that has already been proc...

When we delve into the definition of fine art, we find that photography is listed as one of its mediums. This inclusion sparks an interesting debate about the nature of photography and its place in the art world. I've recently released a video on YouTube discussing whether photography can be considered fine art, which you can watch here. After watching the video, you'll better understand why the photograph being featured is so relevant within this discussion.

A number of years ago, I discovered an intriguing in-camera function that combined a correctly exposed photograph with underexposed and overexposed frames. This technique, especially when there was subject movement within the frame, created a fascinating effect. Technically, this function, known as HDR (High Dynamic Range), should be used with the camera on a tripod photographing a stationary subject. By using it "incorrectly," it appeared as if the moving subject was caught in their own shadow, creating an almost cubist effect.

In the realm of visual expression, photography is a medium that captures not just images but moments, emotions, and stories. While conventional photography adeptly freezes reality within the boundaries of the lens and light, fine art photography transcends these limitations, offering a canvas where creativity knows no bounds.

At first glance, the distinction between conventional and fine art photography may seem subtle. Both share the technical expertise required to wield a camera and manipulate light. However, it is in the approach and intent that they diverge.

Conventional photography often seeks to faithfully document reality, focusing on clarity, composition, and precision. On the other hand, fine art photography embraces the freedom to interpret, manipulate, and experiment with the visual elements captured by the lens. What sets fine art photography apart is its liberation from traditional constraints. In this realm, distortion, incorrect colour, noise, and grain are not see...

For many of us caught in the relentless rhythm of daily life, it's easy to get ensnared in the treadmill of routine, where weeks seamlessly blend into months, and years slip away unnoticed. As an artist and the founder of the Art Photography Academy, I've come to recognise the profound importance of carving out dedicated time for creativity and the peril of perpetually staying on life's demanding treadmill.

In the midst of our demanding lives, the notion of scheduling creative time may seem counterintuitive to some. However, I firmly believe that "great art flows from a relaxed and attentive mind." This principle underscores the necessity of creating intentional spaces for artistic expression amidst the chaos of our daily obligations.

A poignant lesson on the significance of proactive creativity scheduling came to me during a conversation with an elderly and wise artist. Expressing my desire to emulate his artistic achievements, I said, "I wish I could do what you do," to which he re...