"What kind of advice would you give to artists who want to develop their skills in digital photography in order to be considered fine art?"
The great Norwegian painter Odd Nerdrum said that "thought has to come first" and I wholeheartedly agree.
You can imitate whatever is currently popular or even the Old Masters and you will still be missing something vital in your art.
Being an artist means that you are using a medium to express something that is essentially inexpressible through language, something that enters the realm of archetypes and spirit. I feel that the more acquainted you are with the history of art, literature and human thought - the more concepts you will have to draw from and learn from and filter into your work.
And perhaps most important of all, I think anyone who wants to create "art" should listen to their inner voice, pay attention to their dreams and deepest thoughts. Draw your inspiration from within you and you will never be in danger of being a copycat or imitator of someone else's vision..
