Watch this video, if you haven't already. Sound is a must!Too Long, Didn't Read: I am an amateur photographer with a passion for the abstract genre. I commissioned a glass sculpture artist and used her work as the subjects for my most recent set of photos. This video is intended to give a brief insight into my style, and how I use practical effects and camera tricks in my work. I hope that they trigger "pareidolia" for you, but if not, I hope you at least find them visually appealing!
I have worked for thirteen years to perfect a style that feels very much my own. This has, understandably, made finding an audience a difficult task. Heavy editing, Photoshop, and composites are now almost synonymous with digital photography. I'm hoping that after showing a basic overview of my method, any viewer will come to understand that I'm taking proper photos. There is quite a bit that isn't disclosed about my process, but I trust that the visual message will be easily absorbed. All of my photography is as organic as possible. Nothing is heavily edited. I use practical effects and in-camera tricks to produce the looks that are achieved. The visuals are created purely with myself and the camera. Post processing is an afterthought.
I gained a fascination with photographing glass, in early 2020. For the first six months, I experimented with random glass pieces that I'd found in thrift shops. Thickness, texture, color, and quality were the most important factors regarding "light painting". Commissioning a glass artist to nail down the given qualities seemed like the best solution, as I was spending money to experiment. I chose Melanie because I felt that her style with sea life just sort of fit with what I needed. Her work immediately struck me as perfect versions of what I would be asking her to make. I needed abstractions of her style, however, in order to keep my own photography as abstract as possible. So, after a few guidelines from me, and in her own style, Melanie delivered five abstract sculptures that then became the visual foundation for my Glass Project series. I took her pieces, along with other glass pieces, additional props, and a substantial variety of lighting, and began taking photos. I hope that they trigger "pareidolia" for you, but if not, I hope you at least find them visually appealing.