Surreal Portraiture: from classic to fantastic!

Welcome to the weekly Light Stalking community wrap up!

Surreal portraiture, what a combo of genres this is! As we're used to, let's dissect this phrase so we can get a better grasp of it. Personally, I've been at peace with the idea that surrealism is the act of recontextualising something by placing it somewhere unexpected. This can be elegant, minimal and sophisticated — as the work of Chema Madoz. It can also be explosive, fantastic and oniric as the work of Remedios Varo and Leonora Carrington. Or subtle, tranquil and eerie as the work of Gregory Crewdson.

Whatever your style, the key to surrealism is to avoid abstractions and literal messages. However, this is just one particular point of view. In line with our visual endeavour, surrealism can be narrowed down to surreal. According to our trusted source on etymology, this word is usually understood as bizarre and dreamlike. However, if we go beyond the definition —or sur, as we'll see up next— we found that “surrealism” means to go beyond what's real.

For this week's challenge, Diane invited us to bring some surreal portraits to the forum. As expected, things went above and beyond. Several of our talented members delighted us with some twisted imagery. Just a little warning before you scroll further, you might end up feeling inspired to share some bold surreal portraits as well. If so, click here and participate — it's never late for doing so.

Photo of the Week

Classic photography surrealism, well-familiar for those passionate for the craft's history. The trick here is not the juxtaposition or the double exposure, but the lighting and tonal treatment given to this black and white conversion. Genius shot, exquisitely crafted by Diane – thanks for sharing this magnificent piece with us.

Weekly Photography Challenge Digest

Thanks again to Diane and Dahlia for pushing our creative boundaries one step forward every week!

For contributing, check out the original challenge post!

A Highlight on the Latest Activity at our Community

As described by Patrick, this surreal scene offers fantastic contrast; thanks Robert for sharing this overwhelming view!

Steve enlightened us about the existence of several ruined and abandoned churches by the name of “Chapel of Ease” across the South Carolina countryside. This one is on St. Helena’s Island, east of Beaufort, South Carolina:

Also, he shared how he and his family can't make a trip without stopping at Old Sheldon Church. Almost always he gets a picture of this view at the entrance to the site:

Don't forget to check the photo contest winners for Visual Metaphors; and remember, this month's photo contest is now open for entries. The theme is “Surrealism and Dreamscapes“. Submit your photos for a chance to win $250 and please don't forget voting as well. Last but not least, keep an eye out for the Members Picks — the instructions are pretty straightforward:

Members reference what you might consider a five star photo. Give a call out to the photographer and share their photo even if it lies in the Shark Tank and feel free to give a Critique on why it trips your Trigger. Be sure to mention the photographer and the Thread you saw it in.

And if you want to make out the most of your LightStalking user account, make sure to check the latest posts. Also, don't forget to swim the Mobile Monday Challenge! Last but not least, Check out the current reading throwdown, it has some nice insights and recommendations!

We'd Love To Hear Your Thoughts

Our Feedback Forum is a fine place for all those people wanting to grow fast as photographers. Here, you'll get your work reviewed by well-intended photographers, but you'll also have the chance of commenting on the work of others. We believe in the power of feedback, and here are the latest shots shared in the pool:

The Shark Tank is a great place to learn and to discuss, but please read the instructions in order to get a better experience. Share your comments, opinions and doubts on any or all of the images above. We also will be delighted to see some of your own images. Remember all comments are given to the photographs; not the photographers. Also, don't forget to participate in our upcoming challenge!