March 2024 – Page 6 – Critical Research Journal

The challenges of photographing surreal juxtapositions

Photographing surreal juxtapositions of objects presents a unique set of challenges for photographers, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary to create images that captivate and intrigue their viewer. This process involves not only technical skill and creative vision but also an understanding of the principles of surrealism.

Conceptualization and Vision

To create surreal photography, the photographer has to imagine a scene that blends different elements in a way that is both surprising and coherent. Surreal photography involves breaking the rules of normal logic, and finding a new way of looking at things that can reveal the hidden connections between unrelated objects. This demands not only originality but also a solid knowledge of the history and philosophy of surrealism, which has influenced many artistic movements and cultural expressions (Cotton, 2014).

Technical Execution

To create surreal images, photographers face many technical difficulties. They need to plan and control the scene carefully to combine different elements in a surprising way. They also need to master the use of light, which can emphasize the contrast and mood of the surreal scene. Moreover, they often rely on advanced methods such as blending multiple shots, extending the shutter speed, or editing the image digitally to produce the surreal effect (Freeman, 2017).

Emotional Resonance

How can photographers create a bond with their audience through surreal images? One of the difficulties is to avoid making images that are too abstract or random. They need to find a way to tell a story or convey a message that touches the viewers’ feelings. This means using elements that have some relevance or connection to common or personal experiences, and arranging them in a way that creates a coherent and meaningful surreal scene (Ang, 2014).

Ethical Considerations

Photographers must also navigate the ethical considerations of creating surreal juxtapositions. In the pursuit of unique images, there is a risk of cultural appropriation or insensitivity towards the subjects or objects being photographed. Photographers must be mindful of the implications of their work and strive to create images that are respectful and considerate of cultural and contextual nuances (Wells, 2009).

Audience Perception

Another difficulty is how the audience reacts to the image. Putting together things that do not normally belong can confuse or unsettle the viewers, and photographers need to strike a balance between making their audience think and keeping their interest. This means they have to think carefully about how they show and explain their image, making sure that it encourages people to look closer and think deeper rather than pushing them away (Barrett, 2012).

An interpreted example

Why would anyone promote their restaurant immediately adjacent to a box containing rat bait? To me, this is a surreal juxtaposition in real life.

Technically, I found it very hard to get both elements in the same image. One is very large, the other quite small.

If there are emotions to be provoked then they are presumably disgust or, at least, surprise – which is certainly what I felt.

Perhaps the most interesting questions are around the ethical dimension. I am fairly sure that if I saw a bait tunnel adjacent to ANY restaurant, my attention would be caught. However, this is a ‘Chinese’ restaurant, albeit with some of the text in Arabic. You only have to do a simple Google search to find many references to the racial stereotyping behind Chinese food (stereotype of chinese restaurants being unhygienic – Google Search). So, by spotting this was I demonstrating racism in my own mind?

Conclusion

To create surreal juxtapositions of objects in photographs, photographers need to overcome various challenges that test their creative and technical skills. They need to find a balance between originality and clarity, craftsmanship and expression, ethics and engagement, at every stage of the process. From conceiving the idea to presenting the final product, they strive to expand the horizons of their imagination and to challenge the conventional views of reality. This is what makes surreal photography a rewarding and fascinating endeavour.

References

Ang, T. (2014). Digital Photography Masterclass. DK Publishing.
Barrett, T. (2012). Criticizing Photographs. McGraw-Hill Education.
Cotton, C. (2014). The Photograph as Contemporary Art. Thames & Hudson.
Freeman, M. (2017). The Photographer’s Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos. Ilex Press.
Wells, L. (2009). Photography: A Critical Introduction. Routledge.

[Written and illustrated with the help of ChatGPT 4, Bing AI, and Dall-e 2.]

How would a visual sociologist and anthropologist approach a visit to the seaside?

A visual sociologist and an anthropologist would approach a visit to the seaside with distinct but complementary perspectives, each using their disciplinary tools and methodologies to understand and interpret the experience and significance of the seaside in social and cultural terms.

Visual Sociologist: A visual sociologist would likely focus on the visual aspects of the seaside experience, paying close attention to the landscape, the interaction of people with the environment, and the symbols and signs present in the area. They might:

Document through photography or video: Capture images or footage of beachgoers, architectural elements, and natural scenery to analyze the visual culture of the seaside.
Analyze visual representations: Examine how the seaside is portrayed in media, art, and personal photographs to understand societal perceptions and the construction of the seaside as a cultural symbol.
Observe public behavior and social interactions: Note how different groups use the space, including family dynamics, youth culture, and social stratification visible through activities and beach attire.
Study environmental interaction: Look at how people engage with the natural environment, such as swimming, sunbathing, and conservation practices, to explore human-nature relationships.

Their goal would be to understand how visual elements and social interactions at the seaside contribute to its meaning within the broader cultural and social context.

Anthropologist: An anthropologist would approach the seaside with an interest in the cultural practices, rituals, and social meanings embedded in the seaside experience. They might:

Conduct ethnographic research: Spend time observing and participating in seaside activities to gain a deep understanding of the cultural significance of the seaside and its role in the community.
Interview beachgoers and locals: Collect personal stories and perspectives on the seaside to understand its significance in individual and collective memory, identity, and well-being.
Examine historical and cultural context: Research the history of the seaside as a social space, including its development as a leisure destination, to understand how cultural attitudes towards the seaside have evolved.
Analyze symbolic meanings: Explore how the seaside is symbolized in rituals, folklore, and cultural narratives, and how these contribute to its perceived value and meaning.

The anthropologist aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the seaside’s cultural significance, exploring how it shapes and is shaped by human behavior, social norms, and cultural practices.

Both the visual sociologist and the anthropologist would offer valuable insights into the seaside experience, the former through a lens focused on visual culture and social interaction, and the latter through a broader examination of cultural practices and meanings. Their approaches, while different, would complement each other in providing a holistic understanding of the seaside as a significant cultural and social space.