Above Photographs: “Modern Moses” and “Get Born Again” by Daniel W. Coburn
The concepts for these images were born out my fascination of religion and environmentalism. These aren’t new photographs, they were completed about a year ago for inclusion in the “Gods and the Garden” portfolio. Very little digital manipulation was performed on these shots.
Preparation and Execution
Images like these begin with a simple idea or stroke of inspiration. The concept materializes in a sketch and I might make several small unfinished drawings until I decide on a final composition. From there, I begin looking for the props needed to execute the shoot. This usually means scouting for the right location as well. When all of the leg-work is finished, I set up the shot and do my best to duplicate the sketch. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes, something spontaneous happens that adds to the dynamic of a piece. Other times, I find that it’s nearly impossible to achieve my original vision and I have to improvise. I enjoy this type of work because it allows me to be very proactive and take control of the finished product.
Modern Moses (left photo)
In this photograph I found the perfect location to shoot. Unfortunately the perfect location was located on private property and I didn’t know how to contact the owners to obtain permission. So I did what any self-respecting landscape photographer would do_ I trespassed. I used wire tent stakes to anchor the nylon rope. I used myself as the model. My camera was anchored to a tri-pod and I used an infra-red remote to trigger the shutter release.
Get Born Again (right photo)
I spent a Sunday afternoon rummaging through junk at garage sales to find the doll parts for this piece. And yes, that is me wallowing in the mud, half-naked, amongst tree roots. Again the camera was positioned on a tripod and I triggered the camera using a wireless remote.
Comments and Critiques are welcomed and encouraged.
February 28, 2008 at 6:57 am |
Well, if ever things go terribly wrong, at least you have a preview of what Homeless Dan might look like.
I do like the concept and execution of “Modern Moses.” Very cool. And the fact that you had to break the law slightly to get the shot adds something to it.
March 7, 2008 at 3:00 pm |
I do a lot of this for my paintings as well, especially the Repression series. I had my ideas sketched out, rigged up a box with batteries and a mini-lightbulb, and tried to imagine I was there with another version of myself. As I was hushing my imaginary self once, my husband remarked, “You look like a crazy person!” Good times.
I often find it very difficult being on the other side of the camera, though, because I can’t actually see the composition and lighting. For me, this is where the spontaneous aspect usually comes in to play. How do you feel about working in this blind way when you are in the composition, or are you somehow able to completely know how it will look while you are in front of the lens?
March 13, 2008 at 1:32 pm |
Hi Lacey, thanks for your comment.
I’m able to pre-compose the shot with all of the elements except the figure. So yes, something spontaneous always happens when I throw myself into the mix. I am sure I look like a crazy person when I am doing this. It’s almost like performance art, but nobody is around to see it. I’ve thought about filming this kind of thing just so I can demonstrate to others my process.
I’m glad others are experiencing this type of thing as well. I think artists will go to all kinds of crazy lengths to complete their vision.