I believe in art, or in street photography particularly, any unique or peculiar moments are the best thing we can get.
It is the same with the way we create our photos. I believe the more surreal effect or the weirder it looks, the better the photo is. As human who has constant daily activities day by day, we love to seek something different that able to please our senses. Therefore, the unusual looks of our images can help to please our audience as well.
Imagine if we can create surreal photos from an ordinary stairs inside train station. Then we have chance to present these images to all people who passed these stairs everyday. I believe these images will tickle their brain about how to see things differently, how to see boring/usual things in unusual way.
The exact same reason becomes my inspiration to write about Shooting street is not always on the street and Bad place is not an excuse to not take photos
If we lack of inspirations to shoot because the area surround us is boring (perhaps because we live there or pass same street everyday), then just change the way we see this world. Basic rule of life: If we dislike our life, and we can not change the circumstances, then we need to change the way we think/see this world.
I like to think before took photo. How to capture an ordinary scene and make it has surreal feels. Make images not just a plain information but instead create an art images that force viewers to use their imagination. Why? Because as normal human we see reality based on real information, based on logic, we do not use our imagination to see things that we see everyday. Then the key is: Create images that different than how human’s eyes see reality.
Surreal word itself means: Mix of fact and fantasy. It is still based on reality, but we infuse our own imagination into it. This imagination based on our life experience, philosophy, mood, and emotion.
I think it’s kind of how songwriter create a music lyrics as well. They do not always use plain and full informative words, but instead use some phrases to translate their emotion into words. It is true that to create an artistic photo we still need technical matter like how good our photography technique or our camera gadget. However, most important part is we need to pour our imagination and emotion into photos as well.
In street photography we do not pursue the accuracy of information, who cares if the sky colours in our final image not exactly the same as sky colours in reality? What matter the most is how we translate our vision or imagination when we captured moments, and turn it into reality with our photos.
One simple example: At some point we all love bokeh (shallow depth of field), which is a surreal effect from our camera lens. Human eyes can not work like that, yet, many people fall in love with big aperture lenses. Another proof that we love to see things that different than how our eyes see reality.
Let our cameras help us to “distort” reality and create surreal images that match our vision. Create a photograph that make audience need to think when see our photos. We do not need to provide them 100% information, but instead give room for “mysterious space”. Make viewers use their imagination to translate our images. Some factors that able to help us create surreal images are: Silhouette, reflection, shadow, and colours match (read here for more).
Always remember to be weird and surreal!
Keep shooting and stay inspired,
Nico Harold