Futurist Photodynamism
Photodynamism was pioneered by an Italian photographer Anton Giulio Bragaglia in the early 20th Century. Photodynamism focused on capturing the energy and feeling of the movement. This style considered to be very radical at the time.
Anton Giulio Bragaglia, “Ritratto fotodinamico di una donna”, 1924
Chronophotography
Movement and repetition photography goes even farther back to Victorian times withChronophotography invented around 1868. Chronophotography was possible using photoapparatus that allowed fast shutter speeds of 1000/ sec and capture multiple exposures up to 12 frames per second (not bad for 19th century!)This groundbreaking technique allowed photographers to document movement by freezing the motion in short intervals.
Etienne-Jules Marey, Flight of the pelican, 1883
Monifesto Fotodinamica Futurista
In the early 20th century, many artists became fascinated with the all the changes taken place during Industrial Age. They saw progress of humanity in the movements of machines and even in violence (World War 1)Italian Futurism in painting and sculpture became cutting edge and highly controversial art movement during this time period. Fine art photographers needed to justify their style and separate themselves from a more scientific mechanical Chronophotography. In 1912, Anton Giulio Bragaglia declared Manifesto Fotodinamica Futurista (Futurist Photodynomism)
Excerpt from manifesto:
“A shout, a tragical pause, a gesture of terror, the entire scene, the complete external unfolding of the intimate drama, can be expressed in one single work. And this applies not only to the point of departure or that of arrival – nor merely to the intermediary stage, as in chronophotography – but continuously, from beginning to end, because in this way, the inter-movemental stages of a movement can also be invoked.”
«Falling» by Sasha Gitin 2001
Conceptual Relevance Today
Nowadays in the dawn of the 21st century, with unstoppable technological and rapid advancements, prospects of recreational space travel, mixed with on going military conflicts, terrorist attacks and continuous drone strikes Futurist Photodynamism style has it’s conceptual relevance more then ever.
by Robert Grant 2013 exposure: 8 sec, f-10, 50mm focal length. pop up flash and continuous
Lighting and Camera Settings:
Tradition Photodymamist Technique:
Traditionally long exposure was used. Typically Exposures as long as thirty seconds. To avoid complete blur the subject would pause for a few seconds on different planes of the image to outline details and continue the movement and stop again until desired movement has been completed.
Contemporary Shutter Drag Approach:
Multiple light source exposure.To achieve desired results flash (pop up flash on camera) and continuous tungsten light ere utilized. You can substitute pop up flash with more sophisticated lighting just make sure the light will not spill on black background. While flash was used to freeze a part of motion, continuous light (clamp lamp) was used to allow slow shutter speed to capture the entire movement.
Please note that Robert in the video above used a Front Curtain Sink flash setting. You may also want to try using Rear Curtain Sink. (refer to your camera manual how to change it) Rear Curtain Sink produces different effect as it captures the movement prior to freezing the motion.
Light Black Out. Black background was used to contrast light skin tones. Black wardrobe was used effectively to create the negative space for more surreal effect.
Tip: Use velvet like textured black fabric to maximize absorbency of light.
Conclusion:
Our most recent tutorials focused on experimental techniques. No matter what your photographic style or niche is, experimenting with various techniques will accelerate your learning and will also help to expand your creativity. If your work is mostly representational, then try occasionally switching to abstract photography. This will sharpen your eye for composition, color and tone. Give this tutorial a try and post your result below in comments.
Técnica Audiovisual 