Shooting in my current location is fairly restrictive… Tripods are not allowed without permission; street photography is tricky as capturing people on camera is not allowed here. So, I decided to create a studio at the top of my house and produce images from my imagination. No one is telling me to take the tripod down and also away from the heat (it can reach 55 degrees Celsius in the summer or more with high humidity), which makes outdoor photography impossible for about 5 months of the year.
I set up a single light studio with the intention of being as disciplined, simple and ‘analogue’ as possible. I detest AI created images, in so far as creators not disclosing that it’s AI, and wanted to ensure I did not use any tools to ‘enhance’ the images I was going to create. I did use a small amount of photoshop to remove fishing wire from objects that I’d suspended and conversion to black and white but that was it.
All of the images in the set ‘The Unseen Poem’ are conceived before hand and then I gather old items from my home or buy small objects from local supermarkets and try to realise the concept in reality. Like trying to bring a little day dream to life, if you will.
The first 21 images took me 18 months to create. I have an extremely busy life, both professionally as a media consultant and as a father of 5 kids, it is they and my wife who are my true inspiration in life.
In this particular image, using nutmeg and a sprouting sweet potato, I wanted to give the impression of a giant, all-knowing being or perhaps simply a parent talking to a couple of kids or offering advice.
What are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
Its simplicity.
The narrative.
If you could make this photo again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?
Add a little more contrast, perhaps.
Richard Bentley shared this photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
Richard Bentley, Doha, Qatar
Equipment and settings
Fujifilm GFX 100 + Fujifilm GF110MM
Single softbox and strobe
An old desk and the back side of an old canvas print of mine as a backdrop
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