Constructed reality –

Also known as staged reality, photographers often use constructed reality as a way of capturing a false reality, where the photos look candid and real but are artificially staged using studio lighting and propped sitters. In other variations of constructed reality in photography, artists usually use editing through photoshop or other editing tools to merge photos together and almost enter the idea and theme of surrealism.

Examples –

In these photographs, you can see the unusual, the confusing, aspects that you wouldn’t see in types of photography like portrait or romanticism. Layering, texture and editing is very much a focal point of these types of photographs, and have a very good way of getting us to question ourselves and the artist.

Artist example –

James Casebere –

Born in 1953 in Michigan, Untied States, Casebere is a contemporary artist and photographer, he has devised complex models and photographed them in his studio. His early work has reflected the stereotypical ‘American suburban home.’ Casebere then followed that by some photographs and sculpture, occasionally tapping into the mythical American west.

Analyzation of his work –

Through James’ work, his use of dimension in his photos are very impactful. It gives an eerie sense of emptiness and also enticement in his photos. The shadows and highlights throughout these examples show a harsh light and dark contrast through his work which compliments his dark theme.

Casebere loves to include the image of water, usually through image editing, maybe photoshop. It really helps show dimension through his work and also gives the artist the sense of the unknown. As his images are meant to be strange and unusual, it compliments that a lot.

James’ use of architecture is very impactful, the easy line work, and geometrical shapes, compliment each other and allow the images to flow very comfortably. With the help of ‘windows’ in his photos, the inclusion of pinpointed bursts of light allow the focal point to change as your eyes move around the photographs.

Inspiration –

James’ use of texture is something I really want to include in my work. The difference in substance and view of each part of his photos I believe is very eye catching, and causes for a lot more thinking when someone were to come across his work.

That is something I want to include in my work because I don’t want my work to be simple, I want it to be cause for thinking, I want people to stop and wonder, think as deeply as I did while making them. Deep thought is a very large aspect of my life and I want that to be shown through my art and photography.