Larry Chait
Larry Chait is a photographer who uses interesting effects to blur parts of the background of his photographs, while keeping the main subject, more or less in focus.
Larry Chait was born in Iowa and grew up in Kansas, USA.
He became a scientist and became interested in photography in the late 1970s because his laboratory had a darkroom. In 1978 he moved to Little Rock and this is were his photography career really started.
In 2003 he earned the Digital Photography Certificate from Columbia College, Chicago.
Larry Chait does many different styles and effects with his photographs but I am mainly focusing on his "Movement Photography." He does this by driving a car at around 70 mph. Whilst travelling at this speed he manually focuses his camera on the background which gives it a clear focus and clarity.
Larry Chait was born in Iowa and grew up in Kansas, USA.
He became a scientist and became interested in photography in the late 1970s because his laboratory had a darkroom. In 1978 he moved to Little Rock and this is were his photography career really started.
In 2003 he earned the Digital Photography Certificate from Columbia College, Chicago.
Larry Chait does many different styles and effects with his photographs but I am mainly focusing on his "Movement Photography." He does this by driving a car at around 70 mph. Whilst travelling at this speed he manually focuses his camera on the background which gives it a clear focus and clarity.
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I am very interested in Larry Chait's effect, as it closely relates to my theme of how you can capture movement within a photograph. This image clearly gives the indication that the person is moving while taking the picture. It is almost the opposite to my original idea (capturing an image of something moving). In this case the landscape is still, and the photographer is moving.
I have taken my own contact sheet based on this idea, although I used a different method and technique to do it. I attached the camera onto a beam along with my main focus (which for some of the photo's was a tennis ball) and then focused the camera on this. I then moved around while taking the picture,which blurred the background, and not the tennis ball. |
This photograph by Larry Chait's was taken in a moving car, while the camera was focused on the wind turbines in the far background. The horizon is not centred, encouraging the viewer to look at the sky, and the clouds (showing there is movement in the sky as well).
The photograph is clearly related to movement, but it can also be related back to my theme of freezing time.
The photograph is clearly related to movement, but it can also be related back to my theme of freezing time.
I sense movement when I look at his photograph of an old barn. He as used the same technique as for other photos he has done, My intention is to adapt his technique to my study on the photography of movement.
Tim Pickerill
Tim Pickerill is a multimedia artist with roots in poetry and photography since he was a teenager. I have chosen to research Time Pickerill as one of my artists because of his technique of capturing a people moving (making them look blurred).
Blurred photographs are very closely affiliated with movement of both the photographer and the subject which means this artist is closely linked to my theme of capturing movement.
As you can see in the picture top the left, the photo is of people passing in front of the camera while it is on a 3-7 second exposure, this gives the image a bright and blurred effect because of all the light passing through the lens.
Tim Pickerill has been influenced by artists such as W.S Burroughs, S. Beckett, and B.Gysin, he has also been influenced by the Viennese Actionists, and 70's SoCal Video and performance art.
Blurred photographs are very closely affiliated with movement of both the photographer and the subject which means this artist is closely linked to my theme of capturing movement.
As you can see in the picture top the left, the photo is of people passing in front of the camera while it is on a 3-7 second exposure, this gives the image a bright and blurred effect because of all the light passing through the lens.
Tim Pickerill has been influenced by artists such as W.S Burroughs, S. Beckett, and B.Gysin, he has also been influenced by the Viennese Actionists, and 70's SoCal Video and performance art.
This photograph is a long exposure shot of people walking in front of the camera in day light, there is a lot of high exposure , hence why the majority of it is white (or very bright).
This is a clear indication of movement, and capturing the movement, with motion blur and long exposure.
In the foreground of the image, you see 2 people standing (or they were for a few moments and have moved off before the exposure had finished). This clearly shows the strong movement, and how it was captured on camera.
There are other people in the background, and the blurred effect makes them look almost like a shadow, or a ghost.
This photograph has watery images reminiscent of water colour paints. The subjects are not clearly defined so it is left to the imagination of the viewer as to who they are and what they are up to. The difference in height leads many viewers into saying it is a man and a woman. They seem to be facing each other and this leads you into thinking they are interacting with each other. The image has become both distorted and abstracted. The more blurred the part of the image is the more you get the impression of movement. I intend to use the style of Tim Pickerill to create movement effects. The movement takes place for a short period of time. My theme of Growth and Evolution has given me the opportunity to show single images frozen in time. In contrast to this idea I now want to show images across a period of time (the opposite to time lapse photography). The sense of time passing is felt by the viewer as he watches just one image which has captured movement and shown it as a blurred image.
This is a clear indication of movement, and capturing the movement, with motion blur and long exposure.
In the foreground of the image, you see 2 people standing (or they were for a few moments and have moved off before the exposure had finished). This clearly shows the strong movement, and how it was captured on camera.
There are other people in the background, and the blurred effect makes them look almost like a shadow, or a ghost.
This photograph has watery images reminiscent of water colour paints. The subjects are not clearly defined so it is left to the imagination of the viewer as to who they are and what they are up to. The difference in height leads many viewers into saying it is a man and a woman. They seem to be facing each other and this leads you into thinking they are interacting with each other. The image has become both distorted and abstracted. The more blurred the part of the image is the more you get the impression of movement. I intend to use the style of Tim Pickerill to create movement effects. The movement takes place for a short period of time. My theme of Growth and Evolution has given me the opportunity to show single images frozen in time. In contrast to this idea I now want to show images across a period of time (the opposite to time lapse photography). The sense of time passing is felt by the viewer as he watches just one image which has captured movement and shown it as a blurred image.
Manon Wethly
Manon Wethly describes herself as “photographer/designer,
serial instagrammer, geeky adventurer, inventor of flyingstuff and
polaroidist.” She is keen to explore the
shape liquids take on as they fly through the air. She knows it is important to photograph the
right second in time. She takes a lot of
her photographs just with her iPhone.
She often puts her photographs on Instagram posts. She has been quoted as saying “The early bird
captures the worm” She is spontaneous
and has been known to grab someones packet of sweets to throw into the air so
she can photograph it.By using Manon Wethly’s techniques I intend to portray the fact that liquids outside a container are always moving. The wonderful effects that can be seen in a picture like this are due to the force of gravity. Liquids seem to have a will of their own as they move freely in the air. The more time that passes the more contorted the liquid appears. The viewer is given the impression that time is passing. They can’t help predicting what will happen next and no doubt what had happened just before. My theme of Evolution and Growth explores how things change over time. Liquids make ideal subjects to demonstrate this.. The clouds in the background give a sense of drama. The clouds also reinforce a sense of chaos. Nothing can be predicted in terms of where it will be in the next few minutes. The clouds as well as the liquid are constantly changing. The photograph has stolen just one moment in time.
I can use Manon Wethly’s technique of showing moving liquids to develop my theme of Evolution and Growth. In this technique by Manon Wethly the movement of liquids is shown. The bright clear background helps by keeping the viewer’s focus solely on the liquid and container in the foreground. The force of gravity can be perceived and viewer is aware that this force causes change. This photograph also captures just one moment in time. The viewer as a sense that this moment is miniscule compare to the vastness of time itself. Evolution is just like that. We see just one tiny moment. One point in time. The viewer is conscious of the vastness of what happened before and what will happen afterwards. I can use Manon Wethly’s technique of showing moving liquids to develop my theme of Evolution and Growth.
The theme of Evolution and Growth is not just about gradual, peaceful change. Another way of looking at evolution is to see the violence that causes change. This technique by Manon Wethly brings the violence and forces to the attention of the viewer. The energy is evident and I would like to show that energy is the driving force behind evolution.
Deenesh Ghyczy - Experimental
Deenesh Ghyczy developed his technique to transcend space and time. The viewer can be shown more information than they would get from a photograph of a single event in time. This is in effect a time lapse picture with separate images superimposed on top of each other. It is not to give the impression of movement. Rather it is like a set of photos put together about an event. – A sort of photo album with all the photos superimposed on top of each other. It is like a storyboard which gives information of all the things that happened. The viewer is free to pick any part of the story to reflect on. Indeed the viewer’s eyes will probably dart back and forth to different parts of the photo to build up the picture of what was happening. By using this technique I will be able to show how evolution can occur.
I intend to photograph a subject that is in the process of doing something and show different parts of this process all on the same picture.
I intend to photograph a subject that is in the process of doing something and show different parts of this process all on the same picture.
The German artist Deenesh Ghyczy studied in many European cities. He puts the past, the present and the future all on the same canvas. Which gives the viewer the opportunity for "serene contemplation" He wants to show cause and effect. In some of his paintings I can find complete inwardness.
As you perceive the figures he's painted you are transcending space and time.
The nature of the past present and future images all merged into one gives a movement effect, and its as though each aspect of the past and future have been frozen within the same time.
Deenesh Ghyczy's effect therefore relates to my theme of frozen in time. The technique used by Deenesh Ghyczy is used here to inform the viewer of how the subject moves during the process of eating an apple. The most movements are made by the hand and this is clearly shown.
As you perceive the figures he's painted you are transcending space and time.
The nature of the past present and future images all merged into one gives a movement effect, and its as though each aspect of the past and future have been frozen within the same time.
Deenesh Ghyczy's effect therefore relates to my theme of frozen in time. The technique used by Deenesh Ghyczy is used here to inform the viewer of how the subject moves during the process of eating an apple. The most movements are made by the hand and this is clearly shown.
Using Deenesh Ghyczy's technique I will be combining photographs taken seconds apart - the past, present and the future. If I get it right then the viewer will be able to transcend time and get a deeper perception of what is going on. e,g the motives of the figures I am photographing.The technique used by Deenesh Ghyczy is used here to inform the viewer of how the subject moves during the process of drinking a cup of coffee. The most movements are also made by the hand and this is clearly shown. Unlike the previous photograph there is little movement of the head as the coffee is drunk.
Stefan Nitoslawski
Stefan Nitoslawski is a photographer that uses photography to explore the ideas of identity, while experimenting with certain image processes. He uses the movement of people to capture an almost inhuman picture, the effect of motion blur in the images are extraordinary because of the way he breaks up the body and shifts them into another form, almost like morphing.
I have chosen Stefan Nitoslawski as an artist to look at because i believe his ideas could relate closely to my current them of freezing time.
The way he captures movement in a still picture is amazing.
This technique of Stefan Nitoslawski combines images over a few seconds. The morphed subject is now distorted and unnatural. It tells you more about what the subject is doing and feeling than how he looks. I intend to use this technique to explore how growth and evolution can be displayed in just one photograph.
I have chosen Stefan Nitoslawski as an artist to look at because i believe his ideas could relate closely to my current them of freezing time.
The way he captures movement in a still picture is amazing.
This technique of Stefan Nitoslawski combines images over a few seconds. The morphed subject is now distorted and unnatural. It tells you more about what the subject is doing and feeling than how he looks. I intend to use this technique to explore how growth and evolution can be displayed in just one photograph.
In his own words Stefan Nitosawski says “I use photography to explore
ideas of identity and perceived reality, I always wanted to break out of my
body and shape-shift into another form. It is a means of escape or liberation
from the limits of the persona. Although such morphing is imagined, my camera
can make it concrete.” Stefan Nitosawki
goes on to say that like everyone he sometimes feels ugly and sometimes feels beautiful. Sometimes happy, sometimes sad etc. These emotions can contort the face – that is
the physicality of these emotions.
Stefan Nitosawki calls himself a shape shifter as he feels emotions
morph his body.
The morphed subject here is so unnatural as to be almost unrecognisable as a person. The viewer pretty much gives up on the attempt to understand what the physical appearance of the subject really is. Now the viewer is free to reflect on the feelings and movements of the subject. This technique could be used to show how there can be found beauty in even grotesque images. The beauty of the human is not completely lost. In evolution the characteristics that are carried on and give identity to a species are equally beautiful.
The morphed subject here is so unnatural as to be almost unrecognisable as a person. The viewer pretty much gives up on the attempt to understand what the physical appearance of the subject really is. Now the viewer is free to reflect on the feelings and movements of the subject. This technique could be used to show how there can be found beauty in even grotesque images. The beauty of the human is not completely lost. In evolution the characteristics that are carried on and give identity to a species are equally beautiful.
In his photographs he seeks to break the body out of its human
form. Instead of freezing one moment in
time with his photographs he tries to build up a photographic image over
time. He uses his film making skills to
do this. He extends the shutter’s time
to allow movement to sculpt an unusual form.
This abnormal subject is the result of using Stefan Nitoslawski’s technique. The information about the physical appearance is meagre to say the least. It is definitely a person and there is obviously some movement. Most other aspects of the subject have changed. The camera has captured streaks of light across the upper body. These were caused by movements. Just as Stefan Nitoslawski did I would use this technique to explore ideas of identity. Identity is a key idea in evolution.
This abnormal subject is the result of using Stefan Nitoslawski’s technique. The information about the physical appearance is meagre to say the least. It is definitely a person and there is obviously some movement. Most other aspects of the subject have changed. The camera has captured streaks of light across the upper body. These were caused by movements. Just as Stefan Nitoslawski did I would use this technique to explore ideas of identity. Identity is a key idea in evolution.
Gregory Scott
The information of the original photograph was of an empty swimming pool. Gregory Scott has again used his imagination to extend what is happening by adding a picture of a pair of legs. He makes it look simple which just shows what a good idea he had. The idea has resulted in a picture of someone diving into a pool. Furthermore it is a picture of the event taken at an interesting point. – Just when the legs are entering the water.
The original photograph was of a man standing on his porch. The painting of the legs has been added- propped up against the character while he stands on his porch. At first glance a perfectly ordinary photo. The tricks our own minds play on us results in the optical illusion. At the very least this photograph is highly entertaining. The resulting photograph is an extension – there is now extra information about the subject’s legs.
Lucas Samaras
Lucas
Samaras was originally a painter and sculptor before beginning work in
photography. He liked to contribute
elements from his own personal history into his work. He constructed room environments with this in
mind. He created a series of text works
that he called his “Auto-Interviews” – they were self-investigatory
interviews. The primary subject of his
photos was his own self-image. He
purposely distorted and mutilated this to portray his own personal history. He created “Photo-Transformations” using a
combination of wet dyes and polaroid film to help with these mutilations. The frozen movement in this photograph links with my theme of frozen in time..
Mutilation of a subject is an effective technique for showing movement. Movement has causes and it is these causes I am interested in. My theme of evolution and growth is about change that has been caused. I want to explore the causes of movement using Lucas Samara’s technique.
Mutilation of a subject is an effective technique for showing movement. Movement has causes and it is these causes I am interested in. My theme of evolution and growth is about change that has been caused. I want to explore the causes of movement using Lucas Samara’s technique.
Franck Bohboto
Franck Bohboto is a freelance photographer living in New York City. He focuses his artistic research on public spaces and urban landscapes. His series is a combination of traditional street photography from different cities around the globe, with peculiar portraits of people naturally levitating in common settings.
This subjects are suspended in motion in casual everyday poses, e.g walking to work, reading a book, playing an instrument. This gives the impression that the levitating effect is effortless.
Once again his style of photography relates to my theme, because he has taken a picture he has froze this moment in time, so the people levitating and now fixed in this position.
For my exam, I wish to look at his style of photography in a different way and see it as a form of movement, that has been frozen rather than just singularly focusing on the levitation aspect. For example this man, although he is levitation is also walking forwards, and is suspended while walking in the air, this way his effect will link to my theme.
This subjects are suspended in motion in casual everyday poses, e.g walking to work, reading a book, playing an instrument. This gives the impression that the levitating effect is effortless.
Once again his style of photography relates to my theme, because he has taken a picture he has froze this moment in time, so the people levitating and now fixed in this position.
For my exam, I wish to look at his style of photography in a different way and see it as a form of movement, that has been frozen rather than just singularly focusing on the levitation aspect. For example this man, although he is levitation is also walking forwards, and is suspended while walking in the air, this way his effect will link to my theme.
The impossibility of this photograph is what really grabs the viewers imagination. Having departed from the laws of physics the viewer is set free to imagine the storyline that goes with the photo. I want to inspire viewers with my photos using the same techniques as Franck Bohboto. I would put more emphasis on the facial expressions to help tell the story. Of course the viewer will be free to use their imagination and most likely to put themselves into the picture to try to imagine the feelings that must be going on when you are doing something physically impossible. Information about movement is captured in all his levitation photographs. The question "How is this possible" may well be asked. I believe this question is the link to my theme of evolution and growth. Explaining how a plant grows or what is evolution means answering very tricky questions. The technique of Frank Bhoboto is very successful about eliciting cause and effect theories.
I thought this photo by Franck Bohboto had a sinister feel to it. I have seen war photos where civilians were strung up, usually for spying. This photo makes me think of those hanging scenes. Once again Franck Bohboto is provoking the viewer to imagine a storyline. I would not make photos intentionally sinister but I think the theme of tragedy could be combined with the impossible scenarios these photos display. It would be possible to play with the viewers emotions to have a profound affect on them. The fact the subject is looking down just adds to the speculation about why he is not moving. However the forces that exist when things are moving remain in existence even when someone is standing still.
Franck Bohboto is not adverse to using colour in his photos. The hard polished floor is linked to the subject through the similar colour to her skin. The subject is obviously overwhelmed by an emotion (laughter? hysteria? grief?, who knows?). With so much emotion on her mind it is not surprising she is giving no thought to her impossible physical predicament. The apparent lack of movement does not mean the absence of forces. Levitation implies an upward force to counter-balance gravity. A levitating person is obviously subject to such forces. This links to the theme of evolution and growth are clear. All species are subject to the laws of evolution just as the subjects's in Frank Bhoboto photographs are subject to the laws of physics
In this photo by Franck Bohboto viewers would be familiar of a person in an emotional state clinging to the wall. All this is accurately shown in the photo. The importance of the floor is not normally considered by viewers of a scene like this so Franck Bohboto has simply taken it a little out of the way. Once again you are made to consider the emotional state of the character before you question the physical predicament she is in. From a moral perspective I think Franck Bohboto has got his priorities right! The forces of gravity are clearly going to be in the mind of anyone looking at this photograph. The subject may well move downwards and land with a bump any time soon!
This photo by Franck is unusual in that he has two main characters. This limits the scope of the storyline in some ways but the viewer is still left with lots of opportunities to use his imagination. Viewers will no doubt pose questions like "How is this possible?" The follow-up questions will hopefully be on the theme of gravity and the forces of nature. It is the forces of nature which result in the process of evolution and growth.