Photography Techniques for Surrealism
Surrealism in photography refers to creating photographs that appear to have special effects or depict images that are impossible in the real world. Surreal photographs usually depict abstract shapes, bursts of light or overlapping images that fool our senses when we look at them --- our brain knows that surreal photographs are impossible, but our eyes see a very realistic looking image. Some of the common techniques photographers use to create surreal photos include cliché vere, photomontage, multiple exposure and the Sabattier effect.
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Cliché Vere
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This technique can be found in paintings, drawings, etchings and even photography. First practiced by French painters during the early 19th century, cliché vere involves drawing on a transparent surface and then transferring the image to light sensitive paper. In photography, this technique is also known as glass negative. It is achieved using negatives coated from a glass plate.
Photomontage
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Photomonage is one of the most commonly used techniques in surrealist photography. With this technique, many photos are coupled together to make it look as though several images are part of one picture. This can be achieved using digital editing software to merge the pictures. Often the photographer will take a picture of an interesting background and then photograph a separate object or central focus. When the two images are put together the possibilities are endless.
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Multiple Exposure
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The multiple exposure technique can be achieved with a film camera by clicking the camera without rolling the negative. As a result, two pictures can become super imposed on each other. The final product of a multiple exposure is an undefined mixture of the two images, which creates a very surreal effect. When the photograph is developed you will be able to make out faint details from each separate picture.
Sabattier Effect
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The Sabattier effect, also known as solarization, is a technique that takes place when a film is massively overexposed. To create a Sabattier print, the photographer must re-expose a partially developed print to light during the developing stage --- usually by briefly turning on a light in the darkroom. Photos that have this technique applied to them will have a reversal of highlights and shadows resulting in a high level of contrast.
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References
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