Definition
PHOTO IMPRESSIONISM
origins of photo impressionism
Historically there is a close connection between photography as an artistic medium and impressionism. Both are contemporaries of each other and both relied on technological innovation that permitted easy mobility. In the case of impressionist painters it was the introduction of tube paint. For photographers it was the Kodak camera. Not surprisingly, photographers began to use an impressionistic approach to their images almost from the beginning. For more on early the photo impressionist photographers see The Photo Impressionism Project: Pictorialists.
Tips
the techniques
- In camera multiple exposures; I like this effect the best because there is an element of chance and the soft colors and forms remind me of impressionistic paintings. To my mind this technique results in the most interesting images.
- Photoshop montage; is much more contrived but the effects can be very powerful.
- In the round; really a subset of montage. A large number of images are taken of an object from all angles and then merged into one image to capture it in the context of its environment. This technique is a subset of opacity blending or image averaging.
- long exposure, slow shutter; usually panned images of moving subjects lasting a half second or more. These images convey motion in a way that is graceful, almost elegant while preserving the spontaneity.
- Slow sync flash;
- Rear sync flash;
- Multiple flash;
- Moon light exposures: and
- The Orton Technique.