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What is Surreal Photography?

:iconkaz-d:

What is Surreal Photography?



:thumb112456338::thumb152448157: the sentinel by lauren-rabbit the Creation of the Wallpaper by makowina Life ain't a tv show by TotoRino Water Colours by kriterijus
:thumb153507013::thumb122628040:

Surreal Photography can often be blurred with Conceptual - therefore Shalora - the Conceptual Gallery Moderator has shared this:

"Surreal photography would be more about creating a world or image which goes beyond the physical world as we know it. It usually shows something which would be impossible in real life or tampers with the line defining what is real and what is imaginary. Surreal = beyond the real."

I think personally that this sums up Surreal Photography! Surreal Photography often involves regular compositions which have been altered by obscuring something or changing angles and perspectives and so on. The lighting and exposures are often played with to create ghostly forms and abstract shapes. Hence the link with Abstract Photography.





Surrealists on Deviantart



lauren-rabbit has a fine example of a surrealist gallery here at deviantart. Her work challenges the normal whilst providing surroundings and views that we are all familiar with. I often find myself accepting the normal surroundings of her work and then being startled into realising that all is not as it seems - for example below.

still by lauren-rabbit



Man Ray



Man Ray was a famous surrealist of the 1900's and you can visit the www.manraytrust.com/ (Man Ray Image Gallery) to see more examples of his work. However here on Deviantart I've found some reconstructions of his more famous work:

The Red Violin by TattooedToothFairy Man Ray Homage by mopho-to:thumb68205601:



Surreal Photography and YOU



Surrealism allows you to create things that are ordinarily only seen by your mind. It's an excuse to get those ideas into action under the umbrella of the world of Surreal. It's a great chance to let your eye see the things that you envision. There's no right or wrong when it comes down to it because Surrealism is what you make it. Experiment with lighting, shadows, levels, backgrounds and movement to capture Surreal Photograhy at its finest.



Photomanipulation



:bulletblue: It's important to recognise that heavily manipulated deviations belong in Photo-Manipulation rather than Photography.

:bulletblue: Look carefully at the piece of work and consider whether the amount of effort that went into taking the shot is more than the after efforts of editing the image. If this is the case then you know that this work belongs in Photography as Post Processing is allowed.

:bulletblue: Keep in mind that alot of manipulation can occur whilst a shot is being set-up or taken. This is what surreal photography is all about.



Surreal Versus Abstract



:bulletblue: Surreal Photography gives you more of an idea of what lies behind the image whilst still challenging your norms and understanding.

:bulletblue: It rarely involves a small focused part of something, instead focusing on set-up rooms and places.

:bulletblue: It can quite often be photography in action - capturing motion and movement to create a surreal effect.

Remember that there are blurred boundaries between Abstract and Surreal aswell as carefully defined ones. There's no hugely right or wrong answer when it comes down to categorising your work in relation to this gallery. As long as the idea is there that it is either Abstract or Surreal (there are elements of both in many deviations) you can move on from there. Feel free to note me if you're not sure!

Finally, check the below article link for information about Abstract Photography. If you have a gallery that features abstract or surreal work please contact me to arrange an interview!!

news.deviantart.com/article/12… (What is Abstract Photography?)

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What is Surreal Photography? by Kaz-D

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:iconshalora:
Shalora Featured By Owner Aug 15, 2010  Professional Photographer
:D I didn't know that you had actually quoted me for this.... I just found out from someone who quoted what I wrote you and I was wondering how they found out what I had told you, word for work. lol
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:iconkaz-d:
Kaz-D Featured By Owner Aug 15, 2010  Hobbyist Photographer
:lol:
I'm sorry I thought I'd noted you when I did the article - in fact I swear I did! I hope it wasn't quoted at you in spite :lol:
:hug:
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:iconshalora:
Shalora Featured By Owner Aug 17, 2010  Professional Photographer
Don't worry about it! I just re-read it and it is a pretty good definition, if I may say so myself. ;p

:hug:
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:iconkaz-d:
Kaz-D Featured By Owner Aug 17, 2010  Hobbyist Photographer
It is :D I quote it at anyone that will listen :D
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:iconeveyhop:
eveyhop Featured By Owner Jul 26, 2010
Thanks for featuring my work! :)
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:iconphoenixleo:
phoenixleo Featured By Owner Jul 25, 2010
Is digital editing in surreal photography allowed? :?
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:iconkaz-d:
Kaz-D Featured By Owner Jul 26, 2010  Hobbyist Photographer
You mean photoshop editing and so on? Yes - to some extent. But it's important in surreal photography that most of the manipulation comes with the environment or with the camera.
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:iconphoenixleo:
phoenixleo Featured By Owner Jul 26, 2010
ooh! that is awesome :D :gallery:
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:iconbared:
bared Featured By Owner Jul 24, 2010  Hobbyist Writer
Great journal, it was informative, relevant and interesting. The recommended deviants had Galleries well worth viewing. :)
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:iconkaz-d:
Kaz-D Featured By Owner Jul 26, 2010  Hobbyist Photographer
Thank you! :)
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:iconmakowina:
makowina Featured By Owner Jul 23, 2010
Thank You Katy :blowkiss:
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:iconkaz-d:
Kaz-D Featured By Owner Jul 23, 2010  Hobbyist Photographer
You're welcome! :)
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:iconsatania:
SaTaNiA Featured By Owner Jul 23, 2010  Hobbyist Digital Artist
:worship:
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:iconkaz-d:
Kaz-D Featured By Owner Jul 23, 2010  Hobbyist Photographer
:hug:
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:iconkinipelahh:
kinipelahh Featured By Owner Jul 22, 2010   Photographer
awesomesauce :D
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:iconkaz-d:
Kaz-D Featured By Owner Jul 23, 2010  Hobbyist Photographer
Is that like soya sauce? I only like certain sauce :/
:D
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:iconkinipelahh:
kinipelahh Featured By Owner Jul 23, 2010   Photographer
it's like no other sauce you've tasted before...

but it's awesome!
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:iconthecreativejenn:
TheCreativeJenn Featured By Owner Jul 22, 2010  Professional Digital Artist
:heart::heart: Terrific. And your generous enough to feature deviants related to these discussions.


I love you. 8D
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<
The results of Draw Tom Ripley Contest



       The results of Draw Tom Ripley contest 


  



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          &
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