Photography is the perfect challenge: a delicate balance of perspective, style, and technology. I’ve approached this challenge over the years through different means, constantly making modifications to my art, discovering new methods and techniques. Currently, my photographs feature an overarching style: cinematic composition and lighting that is marked by desaturated colors and tones, and smooth gradations between light and shadows. Influenced by themes of death and loss (without being so morbid that the viewer suffers depression), the photographs are meant to feel as unreal as if they were paintings: a unique feeling of a grounded surrealism.
My old work completely lacks post production modifications. Style was controlled entirely via the camera itself, and I would make, find, or buy any of the props used in the photos, such as the 6’ wooden toe-pincher coffin featured in “Always Remain.” As I developed, my desire for more complicated photo shoots that were either too large of a scale or too dangerous to do without digital compositing led to the incorporation of Photoshop into my repertoire. Now, I often shoot miniature vehicles, aircraft, or buildings and later incorporate them into the photographs. Additionally, several local antique shops allow me to bring my equipment into their stores and photograph expensive items that I cannot afford.
Currently, every image is now shot in separate background plates, and individual subjects are shot in my living room. All components of the photo are later compiled and edited in post, which greatly eases the burden of potential scheduling conflicts. For off-camera lighting, I use large, soft, cinematically influenced light sources with the same kind of small Nikon speedlight flashes that are typically found on-top of one’s camera.
The majority of my influencers are actually not photographers, but rather cinematographers, old movie posters and newspapers, and vintage family photos. The styles of cinematographers Roger Deakins (O Brother, Where Art Though?, No Country for Old Men) and Darius Khondji (Se7en, The City of Lost Children) have been tremendous influences, and I maintain a library of screen captures that I reference for inspiration.
As I continue to develop as a photographer, I aspire to constantly create larger, more detailed, and more powerful photos. I want to begin networking with and utilizing aspiring actors and actresses to increase the emotional realism of the models in my images. In the future, I hope to begin creating cover art for books or films, and to have gallery showings featuring large, detailed prints of my work.
My photography has led to some incredible (and accidental) experiences. Before I began to use Photoshop, I would actually set things on fire. What better way to get flames, than actual flames? In the period of a single week, I started a quarter-mile brush fire (oops?) when shooting “Dearly Departed” and almost set my sister on fire during “Passerby.” Apparently it is true that if you play with fire, you will get burned.
Links:
Website: www.ryanjweiss.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RJ_Weiss
Flickr: www.flickr.com/ryanjweiss
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ryanjacobweiss
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