Dim & Dark
by Charles Stewart
Series: Dark and Dim, 2017
While taking an advanced photography class, I became interested in the application of shooting in dim and dark lighting environments. Manipulation of camera functions becomes increasingly important. Equally important is the instruction by the photographer to the subject , and the follow through of the instructions by the subjects to ensure the creation of crisp and fluid scenes in exposures that last many seconds. Manipulating light throughout the exposure becomes intrinsic to creating moods and points of interest to the scene. This series is overall an investigation of the limits of poorly lit settings and the efforts that can be made to adjust for them without the deterioration of the mood that the settings evoke.
In addition to technique, my work tends to focus on looking into the mind of an individual or the relationship between the subjects photographed. Not all relationships are obvious and not all of what you see reveals the complex linking between people.
Some of my work guides the viewer to a thought by adding words to the overall image. Words further assist communication in the photos photos and helps to develop the characters. I often read my words as not spoken, but rather as a thought manifested from the minds of the characters.
Towards the end of my photographic exploration of light, I attempted to focus on non-narrative manipulation of light. In some photos, such as the ones where I use flour to alter the light source, I have tried to make the light the subject of the photo.
Through my investigation, I have found that the high contrast of light in these dark photos compels thoughts which adds to the story and scenario. Much like when you are alone in a dark house and your mind starts to reel at every sound and react to every shadow to create thoughts of dreaded killers and monsters , these photos even when created with the intent of being a non-narrative carry this ability through the manipulation of light. This use of strong contrast creates a fight between the light and the dark in the photo and can be used effectively to communicate mood, and invite the viewr into the image.
Portraits
Non-Narrative
Laser
