Surrealism photography. When the whole point of it is meant to question all that we consider rational, logical, and real, how can we possibly develop specific steps to nail it? Well, we’re going to give it a whirl. But considering that the topic of surrealism itself deals with absurdities, let us humor ourselves with a glimpse into surrealism photography and how we can explore it and nail it.
Understanding surrealism
Surrealism is regularly described as an avant-garde movement that came about around the end of World War 1, following the advent of Dadaism. From the idea of “anti-art” to the idea that things are not what they seem, to things that can be more than what they seem, came about the idea of surrealism.
The development of psychology and symbolism in its various branches fed into it—along with developments in image-making—from painting to photographic manipulation.
What are you trying to (not) say?
Say goodbye to Captain Obvious. Begin by asking—so what are you trying to say with your image? Or rather, what are you trying not to convey? Surrealism feeds off many emotions and feelings, twisting logic, raising questions, and prompting viewers to look and think twice.
Whatever non-message you have in mind, symbolism and juxtaposition are your friends. So your image-making begins in thought and on paper. Draw your inspiration from the world around you, or literature, popular culture, so on and so forth.
Think of what combination of elements (objects, people, landscapes, and so on) can convey what you have in mind. Bear in mind that every element is a communicative symbol—in a surreal image, they don’t just present themselves. They represent something more.
You can choose to make your meaning obvious with a typically expected combination of objects or introduce a surprise element into it. Again, surprise, shock, delight, and humor are your friends here. What insane thing can you do with your set of elements? Surrealism photography begins here.
What if there was an octopus on your office desk? An airplane for your dinner? A hamster doing HR appraisals in Heaven? An inverted skyscraper underwater? Hyperbole, exaggeration, comedy, surprise, confusion, nonsense—there are many emotions and various devices you can evoke when you plan your imagery.
A wise comedian once said – the key to a good joke is to take something undeniable and every day – and introduce one stupid thing into it. So start by asking yourself—what stupid thing can I do with my imagery?
And if your viewers go, “What did I just see?!” you’ve succeeded.
