Digital Surreal Photography
Surrealism was officially launched as a movement with the publication of poet André Breton's first Manifesto of Surrealism in 1924.
The Surrealists did not rely on reasoned analysis or sober calculation; on the contrary, they saw the forces of reason blocking the access routes to the imagination.
Their efforts to tap the creative powers of the unconscious set Breton and his companions on a path that carried them through the territory of dreams, intoxication, chance and madness. The images obtained by such means, whether visual or literary, were prized precisely to the degree that they captured these moments of psychic intensity in provocative forms of unrestrained, convulsive beauty.
Photography came to occupy a central role in Surrealist activity. Some techniques they used were:
• Montage
• Solarization
• Rotation
• Double exposure
• Distortion
Review the provided Power Point to further your knowledge on Surrealism.
The Surrealists did not rely on reasoned analysis or sober calculation; on the contrary, they saw the forces of reason blocking the access routes to the imagination.
Their efforts to tap the creative powers of the unconscious set Breton and his companions on a path that carried them through the territory of dreams, intoxication, chance and madness. The images obtained by such means, whether visual or literary, were prized precisely to the degree that they captured these moments of psychic intensity in provocative forms of unrestrained, convulsive beauty.
Photography came to occupy a central role in Surrealist activity. Some techniques they used were:
• Montage
• Solarization
• Rotation
• Double exposure
• Distortion
Review the provided Power Point to further your knowledge on Surrealism.
| surreal_photography.pdf |
SKIP - Before you Begin...
Run through this tutorial to get you in the mood to create a fantastic final image!
Download the following supporting files to your computer to use. You will need to take a photo of your partner for the use of the subject in this tutorial. Make sure you take them with a creepy pose!
Tutorial can be found here.
Download the following supporting files to your computer to use. You will need to take a photo of your partner for the use of the subject in this tutorial. Make sure you take them with a creepy pose!
Tutorial can be found here.
SUPPORTING FILES:
| dock.jpg |
| old_tv.jpg |
| background.jpg |
| white_noise.jpg |
SKIP - Back to the Assignment - Step One
Complete the questions on the sheet provided by me.
Step Two
PLAN YOUR SURREAL IMAGE – DRAW at 1 preliminary sketch of a concept. Then plan out how you will photograph the various parts of your image. Use blank paper provided. Plan to have at least 1 image in your composition that you shoot yourself.
Step Three
Create your composition in PhotoShop to mimic your drawn sketches. Create a new canvas 8"x8" @ 300 dpi with a transparent background. Attention to detail is a must so make sure you pay attention to your model/subject, backgrounds and all supporting imagery.
STEP FOUR
WRITE your written statement to explain your creation process - include:
- Proposed Investigation statement: Before taking the photographs, explain your chosen mood and reason for this choice. What kind of surreal image will you create (Automatic, Veristic)? 1 PHOTO FOR FINAL IMAGE MUST BE ORIGINAL. You may use downloaded photos from the internet if your subject matter is feasibly impossible to shoot at the school. (You will have to hand in your source photos as well).
- Reflection statement: After taking the photographs: Suggest ideas for improvement (Remember to use 6 elements and principles (Line, Shape, Form, Texture, Balance, Rhythm, Pattern, Contrast, Emphasis, Space, Movement, Colour, Proportion, Unity) in your written explanation.)
STEP FIVE - Hand in
When completed and you are satisfied with your final image; hand in:
- SKIP - Reflection Sheet (Step 4) (printed)
- Your rough sketch - stapled to your printed documents
- SKIP - 5 Question Handout (Step 1 - printed)
- 1 Original Photo + the photos that were downloaded
- Final Surreal comp in jpg format
Rubric
