I've been trying to take more surrealist inspired street photography, but I'm finding it hard to stumble into situations that fit my motif. I would really appreciate any tips on how I could find more of these scenes organically or any camera techniques that result in a more interesting image.
I'll post a few photos that I've taken already that have the feel/look that I'm going for. Any feedback on these would also be greatly appreciated!
(1/10)
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.4 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 35 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:15 18:11:07 Exposure Time 1/140 sec F-Number f/2.8 Exposure Program Normal Program ISO Speed Rating 400 Lens Aperture f/2.8 Brightness 4.3 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 23.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Custom Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Unknown
(2/10)
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.4 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 35 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:15 18:12:42 Exposure Time 1/2400 sec F-Number f/1.4 Exposure Program Aperture Priority ISO Speed Rating 1000 Lens Aperture f/1.4 Brightness 3.9 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Spot Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 23.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Unknown
(3/10)
(3/10)
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.4 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 35 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:15 18:27:55 Exposure Time 1/250 sec F-Number f/14.0 Exposure Program Manual ISO Speed Rating 1600 Lens Aperture f/14.0 Brightness 9.8 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 23.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Manual White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Normal Subject Distance Range Unknown
(4/10)
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.4 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 53 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:15 18:13:56 Exposure Time 1/450 sec F-Number f/6.4 Exposure Program Normal Program ISO Speed Rating 800 Lens Aperture f/6.4 Brightness 6.1 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Average Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 35.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Custom Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Unknown
(5/10)
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.4 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 35 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:15 18:11:25 Exposure Time 1/140 sec F-Number f/5.6 Exposure Program Normal Program ISO Speed Rating 400 Lens Aperture f/5.6 Brightness 6.1 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 23.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Unknown
(6/10)
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/2.8 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 41 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:15 18:09:31 Exposure Time 1/4 sec F-Number f/2.8 Exposure Program Normal Program ISO Speed Rating 800 Lens Aperture f/2.8 Brightness -3.3 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 27.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Normal Subject Distance Range Unknown
(7/10)
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.4 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 53 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:15 18:15:04 Exposure Time 1/60 sec F-Number f/1.4 Exposure Program Normal Program ISO Speed Rating 4000 Lens Aperture f/1.4 Brightness -3.2 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Average Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 35.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Custom Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Unknown
(8/10)
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/2.8 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 41 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:15 18:09:43 Exposure Time 1/250 sec F-Number f/2.8 Exposure Program Manual ISO Speed Rating 400 Lens Aperture f/2.8 Brightness 2.1 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 27.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Manual White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Normal Subject Distance Range Unknown
(9/10)
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 53 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:15 18:14:50 Exposure Time 1/500 sec F-Number f/1.0 Exposure Program Aperture Priority ISO Speed Rating 400 Lens Aperture f/1.0 Brightness 3.1 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 35.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Unknown
(10/10)
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.4 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 53 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:15 18:17:07 Exposure Time 1/680 sec F-Number f/8.0 Exposure Program Aperture Priority ISO Speed Rating 400 Lens Aperture f/8.0 Brightness 8.5 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Average Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 35.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Unknown
These are really good. Thx for sharing
>>3095653
Fucking fantastic. One of the best photos I've seen posted on /p/ in quite a long time.
>>3095655
Seems half worked out. The epicenter of the shatter should be placed more thoughtfully.
>>3095657
Composition is a bit off. You're currently in that strange zone between perfect symmetry and pleasing asymmetry. Go one way or the other. I also think you could lose a bit of the bottom.
>>3095658
Great play of shadow and highlight. Really well done. Again I think the composition could be tightened up a bit. That stole in the bottom left throws off the balance on the image with it's shadowed left and sunlight right. Nailing the final small details like that could help to push the images more into the realm of surrealism. It's those little oversights that bring an image back into reality.
>>3095659
This frame is a bit too busy I think, especially after being primed by the simpler scenes in the first few images. I'd crush the blacks more and maybe burn his nose so it's totally obscured by shadows. Feels a bit out of place compared to the previous photos.
>>3095660
I dig what you were going for. In this set it feels really out of place. All of the other shots have a somber vibe, while this shot has a happy drunk vibe.
>>3095661
Really like the idea and play of shapes. Again your use of shadow and highlight is really interesting. With some slight changes in your position, I think you could have used the elements to create a better composition. It doesn't feel 'tight' like this kind of image requires.
>>3095662
Fantastic. Love everything going on here. If I were to nitpick I'd say the bottom feels a bit cramped as her feet are nearly on the frame's edge.
>>3095663
I was about to call you out on this cliche bullshit...but then I noticed those are ballet shoes. As is this image is quite forgettable. Paired with a photo of some ballet dancers walking down the street it could totally come alive though. Is there a dance school in this area?
>>3095687
cont...
You're really doing some interesting investigations with highlights in some of these, this image in particular. I love the shapes of the rimlights. Again I think a tighter composition would be better. If these weren't silhouettes perhaps this comp could work as is, but since they people are already so abstracted cutting them off with the frame in awkward places doesn't really matter anymore. Pic related.
All in all these kick ass OP. Keep exploring and obscuring. As far as seeking these scenes out, when you're shooting are you constantly on the move? If so, I'd try finding scenes where the light is right and then waiting for the right moment to happen within that light. Scout locations while running errands and keep a mental note of the places that seem to have those special moments of light and what time you saw that light happening. Revisit with a camera and wait.
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Camera Software Adobe Photoshop CS5 Windows Image-Specific Properties: Image Orientation Top, Left-Hand Horizontal Resolution 130 dpi Vertical Resolution 130 dpi Image Created 2017:06:15 18:48:36 Color Space Information Uncalibrated Image Width 781 Image Height 521
>>3095687
>>3095689
Thanks for the feedback!
I've noticed that I can be a little too loose with my compositions. I have a tendency to focus on the main subject of the photo and neglect the finer details that are situated around the edges of the frame.
>>3095660
I totally agree with you about this photo. It looks alright but the tone doesn't fit within this series (plus, I think it looks way better in colour)
>>3095663
Nah, no dance school. I would always pass these shoes on the way to my local supermarket. Every time I would see them I would come up with different stories for why they were there. I found the lonely shoes quite sad and thought the deserved a nice picture. I'm not too happy with the lens I used but I think the picture turned out alright. I totally agree with pairing this with another photo, it can make the narrative way stronger.
I think with time my compositions will get a little more controlled and concise but I'm happy with how much I've progressed. I still am sometimes restricted by the angles I choose because I don't really want to interfere with the scene or have the subject be aware that I'm taking their photo.
I've tried camping down in places that I think are interesting before, but I seldom do it. It's hard for me to switch off my brain and just sit in one location. When I do I'm constantly convincing myself that the next great photo is around the corner and if I don't seek it out, it will be gone forever. It's one of my biggest shortcomings when it comes to street photography. I'll try to implement it a bit more and come back with some results!
Thanks again for the feedback, man! I really appreciate it!
>>3095653
Rotated 1° clockwise and saved.
>>3095655
Saved
>>3095662
Saved. This is stunning.
Tonally exceptional as well (all).
Technically, double exposures might be worth exploring. Other than that just keep doing what you're doing, anything minimal with undertones of isolation is fine by me.
Really great work.
>>3095753
I like some double exposure photos, but I don't think it's something I'm really interested in capturing atm.
Thanks for the feedback, though!
I really love these. Very inspirational.
>>3095767
Thanks man! I've been pretty slack with shooting street lately, so it's good to know people are enjoying what I've been doing. It really motivates me to go out and shoot more.
>>3095659
dove a brunswick and footscray
>>3095662
I liked the color version better
>>3095902
Oh hey! I want to like the colour version more, but I can never seem to get the colours to cooperate with me :/
I found a couple more photos in my archive that I feel fit the theme I'm going for.
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.4 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 35 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:16 13:10:04 Exposure Time 1/150 sec F-Number f/2.0 Exposure Program Normal Program ISO Speed Rating 1000 Lens Aperture f/2.0 Brightness 2.1 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 23.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Unknown
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.4 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 35 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:16 13:09:51 Exposure Time 1/80 sec F-Number f/16.0 Exposure Program Aperture Priority ISO Speed Rating 1000 Lens Aperture f/16.0 Brightness 6.1 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Average Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 23.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Unknown
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.4 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 53 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:16 13:06:58 Exposure Time 1/150 sec F-Number f/5.0 Exposure Program Normal Program ISO Speed Rating 800 Lens Aperture f/5.0 Brightness 5.7 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 35.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Custom Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Unknown
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make FUJIFILM Camera Model X-T1 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.5 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.4 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 35 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2017:06:16 20:04:05 Exposure Time 1/250 sec F-Number f/5.6 Exposure Program Normal Program ISO Speed Rating 400 Lens Aperture f/5.6 Brightness 7 EV Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Unknown Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 23.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Sharpness Normal Subject Distance Range Unknown
Feedback and advice pls.
unabashed bump
>>3096323
I HAVE SEEN THIS SAME PHOTO AT LEAST 10 OR 15 TIMES. ITS NOT GOOD ITS ANNOYING. STOP POSTING THAT PIECE OF SHIT TAKE NEW PHOTOS. KILL YOURSELF PAL.
>>3095653
THIS JUTXTAPOSITION IS REDDIT AND MEMES. YOU WILL EARN A SECOND PLACE IN A LOCAL CONTEST BUT NOTHING ELSE. ITS A "CLEVER" PHOTO. GUY ISNT EVEN THAT DECADENT FOR THE FUTURE THING TO HAVE SOME WEIGHT, HES JUST GOOD LOOKING OLD, SO ITS A SAFELY PLAYED SHIT. END IT ALL, MCFAGGOT.
>>3095653
>I've been trying to take more surrealist inspired street photography
GO ON DETAIL WITH WHAT YOU WANT I DONT SEE ANYTHING SURREALIST HERE. GLANCED AT THEM ALL AND THEY LOOK LIKE CONTRIVED FUCKING SHIT. FORCED AND MELODRAMATIC, NOT EVEN SURREAL, NOT EVEN REAL. YOU WANT TO ACCENTUATE MUNDANE TRASH WITH HIGH CONTRAST SO IT LOOKS PROGRESSIVELY LAME PAST THE FIRST LOOK. YOU HAVE THE SAME ILLNESS AS THAT FAGGOT WORLDSGREATESTPHOTOG WITH HIS ARE BURE BOKE PHOTOS OF NOTHING. GET HELP.
>>3096885
Thanks for the feedback! I'll keep shooting and try to make some better photos :)
>>3096890
I don't quite get what you mean by safely played? I can only really take shots of what I come across so I don't think it really applies. Thanks for the feedback!
>>3096889
I'll fuck around with the PP and see if I can make it any better. Thanks for the feedback!
>>3096885
Also, I feel like I've only posted this once before and it was aggggggeeeeessss ago.
>>3096898
AT THE VERY LEAST 3, YOU CUNT.
>>3096899
I don't think soooooooooooooooooooooooo? I could be wrong. I don't really post here very often.
Got any tips on how I could take better surrealist inspired photos?
>>3096900
>Got any tips on how I could take better surrealist inspired photos?
STUDY HIERONYMUS BOSCHS WORK.
>>3096902
Woah, these are full on. I will confess that my knowledge about surrealist art is more than a little lacking, so I appreciate the tip.
Any other artists I should check out? Maybe some photographers. I really like the work josef koudelka, I feel like a lot of his images carry the surrealist vibe that I'm trying to achieve.
>>3096905
not the other guy but i know that cartier-bresson was into surrealism early in his career
outside of that there's the usual memes (man ray, ernst, magritte, picabia, matta etc)
>>3096905
STUDY ART. HAVING VAGUE DESCRIPTORS LIKE "I LIKE THE SURREALIST VIBE OF" WILL END YOUR SHIT RIGHT BEFORE STARTING.
CHECK EVERYTHING "SURREAL" UNTIL YOU GET A GRASP OF WHAT YOU REALLY WANT.
KOUDELKA LOOKS INTENSE BECAUSE HE PHOTOED INTENSE, URGENT SITUATIONS. YOU WONT GET THE SAME FROM YOUR WHITE URBAN ENVIRONMENTS OF DECADENT MODERNITY.
ALSO PIC RELATED. DEVELOP A SENSE OF HUMOR. SURREALISM OR WHATEVER WITHOUT HUMOR IS PEDANTRY AND A NEEDY CRAVE TO IMPRESS THE VIEWER.
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Camera Software Adobe Photoshop CC 2014 (Macintosh) Photographer Richard Kalvar Image-Specific Properties: Image Width 1600 Image Height 1048 Number of Bits Per Component 8, 8, 8 Pixel Composition RGB Image Orientation Top, Left-Hand Horizontal Resolution 72 dpi Vertical Resolution 72 dpi Image Created 2017:02:02 09:53:10 Color Space Information Uncalibrated Image Width 1600 Image Height 1348
>>3096918
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIG0ahCinSo
Arena - George Melly in 'The Journey' 1978 BBC Surrealism Documentary
>>3095653
wow, really like some of these, anon! good job!
>>3096950
This was a bit dry and hard to watch. Got any other videos for me?