PETER LIK STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
WHO IS PETER LIK?
Australian photographer Peter Lik is best known for his dramatic, panoramic, landscape-focused photography, which is often described as saturated, rich and bold. In his galleries, found in tourist hot spots around the world, Lik’s confident sales staff usually fetch a hefty price tag for his work. Indeed, Lik has enjoyed financial success most photographers only dream of. In 2014, in a highly debated move, Lik sold one photograph, titled “Phantom,” for more than $6 million. With his savvy, global marketing strategy and eye-catching photography, Lik has cemented himself as a photographer worth talking about. And, for many, worth emulating. If you’re hoping to create some Peter-Lik-gallery worthy works of your own, read on for some helpful pointers.
IN DEFENSE OF LIK: WHO GETS TO DEFINE ART?
Before we jump into the guide, let’s address the elephant in the room. Many people in the photography world don’t consider what Lik produces to be “art,” and rumors about his self-aggrandizing personality abound. First, I’ve never met the man so I can’t verify any of this. But I do know I would like to meet both Lik the photographer and Lik the businessman. And I think we could all learn something from him instead of trying to bring him down. And while I don’t personally want to continuously chase his compositions, I will say that the definition of art is somewhat subjective, but by definition a product intended to be appreciated primarily for their imaginative, aesthetic or intellectual content. And many people around the world certainly appreciate — and pay well — for Lik’s works. Are all his ideas original? I doubt it. I have seen very similar images of famous pieces he’s put out thatI know were photographed before he arrived. However, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones borrowed artistic ideas from legendary blues musicians all the time, adding their own take and making millions as a result. And most of us love those bands! Obviously, there are only so many national parks and so many ways to shoot them. So, as more and more of us snap photos (we’re expected to reach 9.3 trillion stored photos next year!), it’s a given that those of us capturing these subjects will find similarities in our work. All that to say, if your only goal is to replicate Peter Lik shots, tuck them in designer frames, and slap on a “limited edition” label to make a sale, while it could be a good business, in my opinion, it’s not fine art. Now, onward to the guide!
SHOOT THE SUBJECTS FOUND IN PETER LIK ART
Peter Lik focuses on deserts, mountains, trees, and shorelines. Creating images similar to his shouldn’t be all that difficult, but remember to use your imagination if you want to create something unique. With the mind blowing amount of photographs being taken each second all across the globe it may seem daunting to find original ideas. For inspiration, check out some prime examples from the Peter Lik art collection (also best sellers): The Perfect Storm, Tree of Life, Spirit of the Universe or Mediterranean Nights. Then, imagine all the other places you could go to create similarly beautiful images — and get out there.
LEARN THE INS-AND-OUTS OF POST PROCESSING
When it comes to post processing (manipulation via digital photography software), Lik wields Adobe Photoshop tools like a master, using the program to deeply saturate some of the world’s most beautiful places — usually dramatically lit landscapes.
GET A CAMERA LIKE PETER LIK’S
For film, Lik shoots with a Linhof 617 Technorama. When going the digital route, he opts for either a Phase One or Nikon.
MATCH YOUR PRINTS TO A PETER LIK GALLERY PIECE
The most important trick to remember if you’re looking to achieve a Peter Lik art style is to print your work on FujiFlex silver-halide paper. More sensitive to light, this type of paper produces a glowing effect when properly lit — the quintiles tail Peter Lik gallery style. And for prints that appear almost backlit, place a piece of anti-reflective acrylic on top of a face-mounted print (like the ones used in Lumachrome Truelife HD prints). This jaw dropping effect is sure to catch eyes.
VISIT A PETER LIK GALLERY
Aspen, Colorado
Australia
Chicago, Illinois
Key West, Florida
Lahaina, Hawaii
La Jolla, California
Las Vegas, Nevada (Caesar’s Palace, The Venetian, Mandalay Bay and The Forum)
Miami, Florida
New York City, New York (Madison Avenue and SoHo)
Waikiki, Hawaii
Washington, D.C.
STUDY THE MOST FAMOUS — AND EXPENSIVE — PETER LIK ART PIECES
A few of Lik’s most expensive photographs were met with some skepticism from the rest of the art world. Sales went to anonymous buyers. And no details of the sale of his top photograph sold have ever been verified. (However, a lawyer representing Lik insists the buyer does exist). What I love about these pieces is how striking they are. Regardless if they are his original ideas they are very nicely done.
Phantom — Taken in Antelope Canyon with light beam
One — Abstract photo of fall colors taken off water
Tree Of Life — Famous tree in Portland Japanese gardenEndless Summer — Taken under pier in La Jolla, California
Sacred Sunrise — An arch in Canyonlands National Park
Spirit Of The Universe — Lavender fields with stars above
Moonlit Dreams — Highly controversial photo of full moon rising over a cliff
CREATE PETER LIK STYLE PRINTS — NOT REPLICAS
With COVID-19 continuing to keep us socially distanced, the days of eagerly wading through a crowded Peter Lik gallery won’t return for a while. In the meantime, many of today’s talented artists display their works in a digital gallery. As you develop a portfolio of Lik-style work, perusing Google and Instagram for these digital galleries of similar artists and works can provide inspiration and motivation. Use your imagination. Get creative. Travel if you can. Along the way, you’ll undoubtedly learn more than how to take photos like a famous photographer. Finally, if you want to sell prints like Peter Lik, you should also take a few business classes. This is the second half of his success, and arguably the most important.
DON’T FORGET TO CREATE (AND PURCHASE) ART THAT REFLECTS YOUR OWN VALUES
As today’s socially distanced world leaves us isolated and aching to get outside, humans are flocking to places of natural beauty, taking pictures and buying art to commemorate the experience. But what if these photographs could do more? What if they could help protect these beloved, but vulnerable places? These are the questions that led me to coin the phrase “photography for change,: and give a portion of my photography sales directly back to environmental conservation organizations working hard to protect the landscapes I photograph. Now, by bringing Derek Nielsen art into your home or business, you too can help preserve our most precious environments.