I put together an inspirational post about Kinetic Photography a few weeks ago, and in my research I fell in love with this art. Along the way I also found a fantastic photographer that I wanted to share with all of you as the second installment in the Featured Photographer series. Meet Chris, a.k.a Right Brain. Chris makes his living as a Health Care Policy Analyst and is also a Pharmacist. I think there is a future in commissioned photography for this guy.
What sparked you to photography in the first place?
“Like most people, I suspect it was my ability to capture memories. However, I guess I got out of control when I was a teenager, taking pictures of everything that moved using a Kodak Instamatic camera. It got to a point that I stopped taking photos for nearly 20 years… However, the birth of my children made me want to pick up the camera again. Wanting better images and more creative freedom, about 3 years ago I picked up a decent DSLR and I found I began to look at photography in a new and different way – more as an outlet for my creative side allowing me to exercise the right side of my brain. Thus, the moniker I use on flickr: “Right Brain.”
What was it about kinetic photography that really grabbed you.
“When I rekindled my interest in photography, I found myself reading about as many different types of photography as I could find. One night while searching different techniques to try, I ran across something called “camera tossing.” I remember thinking that “this couldn’t be what it sounded like.” As a fan of different types of abstract art, when I saw the images of photographers like Ryan Gallagher, David Hull and Jens Ludwig and thought, “I need to try that!” After a few test shots with an older digital camera, I was hooked. But I didn’t stop there… I wanted to test the boundaries of the technique, applying different filters or integrating the images with other, other more “traditional” images to come up with something that helped me better express myself in an artistic way. “
“While there are safer ways to go about kinetic photography, the risk associated with the act of letting your camera be airborne for the sake of the smooth lines and patterns it can create added to the excitement. Although some have questioned the random nature of the images, the photographer still maintains a fair degree over the image development through the aperture, shutter speed, ISO setting and approach to the toss. I find that the type of camera used also significantly influences the type of image one is able to achieve. Manual settings play an important role in the process, but are not always necessary. For example, some less expensive point & shoot cameras can produce amazing images thanks to a slower sensor speed that can result in a rolling shutter-like image that results in a warping of the scene. One of my personal favorites in my collection is an image of the Empire State Building bent over.”
When you are camera tossing, what types of environments do you primarily work in? Studio? Natural?
“My studio for camera tossing is essentially the world around me… For night images, light sources are a must, including anything from light posts to miniature lights at Christmas-time and anything in between. The type of light can also have unique effects. Neon is one of my favorites when I am able to take the time in a good location. Televisions can also present an interesting source for the image. Targets that are shown on the screen of a cathode ray tube results in a staggering of the image, while tossing in front of an HDTV gives a smoother pattern. During the day, almost anything can be fair game for a target. However, this setting typically calls for different cameras. As previously mentioned, older cameras or cell phone cameras with slower sensors can give you a warped image with some fascinating results. But from time to time, I have used lomographic cameras for different effects. During the day, I am especially fond of the shore. That’s probably because I live fairly close to the ocean.”
What gear is in your kit?
“I have a rather diverse set of cameras. Those that I have used for camera tossing include the Kodak DX6340 (now retired due to a camera tossing accident), a Canon A590 IS, a Vivitar 3710, an Action Sampler 2.0 and a RIM Blackberry 9000. For image development I have either used the images straight out of the camera, or used Photoshop to apply different filters. I am particularly fond of a filter known as Fractalius from Redfield which causes me to keep a PC active since there is not a version available for Mac. Although I may use different filters, a cardinal rule to my images are that the geometry of the image not be changed. To do so would be a violation of the basic technique for such images. My gear also includes an Olympus E-500 with a Zuiko Digital ED 18-180mm F3.5-6.3 lens (did a few camera tosses with this configuration), a Zuiko Digital 35mm F3.5 macro, and a Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD (equiv. 400mm) set of lenses; an Olympus FL-36R flash; a Minolta SRT 201; a Dirkon pinhole (home-made) camera; a Polaroid Sun 600; a Polaroid J33 Land Camera; a Brownie Starflash; an Ansco Shur Flash; a Lomography Fisheye; a Holga 120CFN; a Diana+; a Samsung Maxima Zoom 105; and a Nikon Fun Touch 6 (just for fun). I also have a rather good collection of filters. However, I most often use a Polaroid filter. “
What inspires you?
“I would have to say the much of my inspiration comes from the fantastic images that fellow members of the Flickr Camera Toss group. As for some of my “integrated” camera toss images – particularly those that integrate eyes – along with a series I did of warped clocks, I guess I would need to thank Salvador Dali.”
What type of photography do you most enjoy besides camera tossing.
Easily that would have to be monochrome. I love the seemingly limitless shades of gray that can reveal various moods. Black and white images taken through a long exposure at night probably top my list of this genre. Taking this to the next level with photo manipulations is perhaps my favorite of all…
What you see above is only a SMALL sample of Chris’ extensive portfolio, check out his flickr photostream. You really need to.
MV
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Great shots, thanks for sharing!