The Art of Photography - NYC

Join us for an ALL NEW in-depth presentation of Fine Art Photography from Martin Osner, a renowned South African artist, gallery owner, photographer and educator. Interestingly, many of us will relate to this story and journey. As an instructor of Fine Art Photography, he shares the same principles of art and design that we incorporate in The Art of Photography with his students in South Africa.

In this presentation he speaks to explain; So, what is Fine Art Photography? Martin Osner presents an in-depth discussion that explains the difference between photography, art photography and fine art photography. “Where is the line between photography and fine art photography?”

"So, what is Fine Art Photography?" Osner sees this as a process, wherein photography and the camera play their part in the creation of high-level art. He presents an enlightening and in-depth discussion to answer these fundamental but complicated questions. In addition, as a respected artist and gallery owner, Martin Osner offers valuable advice and guidance on how to embark on your personal journey into the world of Fine Art Photography.

🔴 Martin Osner considers a camera as merely another instrument on the workbench of art. By combining photography with mixed media and by using unique in-camera techniques, this award-winning and internationally recognized artist has created the most incredible portfolio of exhibition prints which is an inspiration and a joy to behold.
Martin Osner: "I am a painter trapped in a photographer's body"

The Hungarian-born André Kertész wasn’t always regarded as one of the most important photographers of the 20th century. Revered for his advancements in photojournalism, the photo essay and composition, Kertesz was largely unknown in the art community, save the belated attention he received in the ‘60s, and again in the ‘80s.

Perhaps he’s best known for his sensitive images of the everyday. And though he considered himself a realist and documentarian, he was informally associated with the surrealist movement, and also leant on the teachings of cubism.

Freud once said reality is that which ‘gets in the way’ — that which disrupts or shackles our fantasies and dreams. In the case of photo realism, it’s argued what is considered ‘real’ in photography isn’t just formal technique or objective style.

This take on realism defined Kertész early on in his career as one of the founders of photojournalism. As a young man he photographed Hungarian peasants on the streets, pioneering the use of a small camera. His snapshots reveal moments, or surprises, in every day life. He was a mentor to Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa and Brassai — a look at their oeuvres hark back to Kertész.

Join us for a lively presentation as Arnold Plotnick takes us on an informative, entertaining and occasionally irreverent journey through the year 2025. We’ll explore the moments that caught his eye, the techniques he experimented with and the images that emerged along the way, as he discusses the benefits that photographers can derive from taking and sharing a photograph every day. Expect a mix of street scenes, creative edits and surprising discoveries as Arnold shares both the successes and the happy accidents that defined his year in photography.

Arnold Plotnick is an exceptional photographer and an organizer in The Art of Photography NYC. He brings a keen eye, a creative approach, a wry sense of humor and a distinct artistic voice to his street photography and beyond. His images have appeared in numerous publications, including Black & White Magazine, KLICK: The Magazine for Street Photographers, The Inspired Eye, and Mobiography Magazine.

This event continues our series of special presentations and high-level educational programming. Our goal is to further enhance your interest and knowledge on your journey as a creative photographer.