The Photograph That Made the Surreal Real "Dalí Atomicus"

Philippe Halsman, 1948
Philippe Halsman / Estate of Philippe Halsman

Philippe Halsman is quite possibly the only photographer to have made a career out of taking portraits of people jumping. But he claimed the act of leaping revealed his subjects’ true selves, and looking at his most famous jump, "Dalí Atomicus," it’s pretty hard to disagree.

The photograph is Halsman’s homage both to the new atomic age (prompted by physicist’ then-recent announcement that all matter hangs in a constant state of suspension) and to Dalí’s surrealist masterpiece "Leda Atomica" (seen on the right, behind the cats, and unfinished at the time). It took six hours, 28 jumps, and a roomful of assistants throwing angry cats and buckets of water into the air to get the perfect exposure.

Fabian Marti - HUNDHUND

Fabian Marti - HUNDHUND, 2006 Inkjet Print 181.7 X 110 CM}

More on Fabian Marti here ---> http://fabian.marti.name/

Super cheap product photography setup

This came up on my stumbleupon a few days ago and I thought it was pretty cool (I just wish I saw it a few weeks ago. It would've been perfect for my "Evidence" assignment). I doubt many of us are doing much product photography, but I bet it could be applied in many other ways. Anything that helps us broke art students McGyver a $12 setup is alright by me.

http://www.handmadeology.com/studio-quality-product-photography-with-a-12-set-up/

Edward Burtynsky

Edward Burtynsky is an international photographer who documents wide-angle patterns, landscapes, and modern technologies and advancements that affect the world as well as our lives. The following is his website that contains information and photographs from across the world. In light of our new project, this may help a bit in terms of situations and locations (such as factories) that can make for some interesting images.

http://www.edwardburtynsky.com/

Dogtooth

So much of what I love about photography and art was in this film. Because I get a lot of inspiration from cinema, I thought a few of you might also be interested.

Disclaimer: If you are opposed to objectionable content it may not be your cup of tea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFtDzK64-pk

Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity (ted.com)

For those who aren't familiar with ted.com videos, there is always a time to start. The video below is by the author Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love), as she talks about inner genius and creativity from a perspective not often mentioned. The 20 minutes of the video will be gone before you know it as she captures your attention and fails to release it. I hope that you will take the time to give this video a chance. It truly is a remarkable inspiration for those who feel the pressure of creating. Enjoy!

http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

Macro Photography

Macro photography is the idea of getting as close as possible as you can to an object or thing to reveal details. The following site contains some remarkable photos utilizing macro concepts to show amazing detail. Note: If you aren't a fan of insects, you may not want to look, but I recommend at least trying. What you can discover when you truly are able to look at the most fragile aspects of things can be vaguely addicting.

http://www.thephotoargus.com/inspiration/50-mind-blowing-examples-of-macro-photography/