When I'm out doing street photography, I have a simple agenda and I simply take images of whatever interest me. I do not deliberately focus on one style or emotion at all. Having said that, I've never even heard of deadpan photography!
I live in London, we have had nonstop rain here for what feels like forever. The light is flat, the skies are grey, so my daily photography have been a challenge … until now. Thanks for the idea … 😊 📷 - subscribed …
I hadn’t even heard the term…I thought it might mean ‘taking photos without smiling’. Great video and love whatever you use on the vlog side. Unrelated, but like your website!
I’ve unconsciously always gravitated toward this style but never had a name for it. Having this definition is very helpful to maybe better understand myself. Thank you.
Thanks a lot for this video, it's very inspiring... in a weird way. For about a year now I've been struggling with finding a new inspiration and new ideas, because all pre-war interests and activities began to feel... I don't know how to put it... meaningless? Now I think I have been instinctively drifting towards deadpan photography, though I didn't know that it was even a defined style. I will definitely continue doing it because it seems to match my emotional condition now.
Now days photography is all about emotion and colors this technique Is interesting, something to try, as you said when we are not in good mood for go out to shoot because we are not pump up, maybe we can still create something good, an why not clean our minds.
Interesting concept. It makes me want to revisit past images to see if I have unconsciously captured images in this style. I expect I have because the concept resonates with me.
Gursky was a student of the Bechers. The german equivalent for what you describe as "deadpan", as used in art history textbooks, would be "Düsseldorf School of Photography" as a movement (Becher, Gursky, Ruff, and others). There is some overlap to how you describe your take on deadpan, yet also some notable differences.
I’m still trying to make sense of deadpan photos….not getting it really, not really understanding why…..did I miss the reason when I got up for a cup of coffee?
I don't know why, but I instantly thought about Kouvola. Ok, I know why. Sori, Kouvola. Concrete brutalism in dull weather just works best in this style. Seriously speaking deadpan style can be the savior of dull days. Thank you for reminding this as we are in dull pre-spring season here in Finland. Meaning spring is coming but winter doesn't want to let go yet, resulting warm but overcast days. I think I would need a soecial photographers calendar and weather app to constantly reminding what I coukd photograph today and what style
That's one style of photography that I cannot get into. Always been told/taught by the videographers that you should have a subject or emotion that tells a story or relates to a moment. Not sure if I expressed it properly, but when I'm on a walk about I'm always scanning for a photographic opportunity, or even when I'm in my car at a stoplight. Always searching for that elusive subject.
Thank you for introducing us to the deadpan style of photography. Although I had never heard of deadpan photography, many of my images seem to fall within that style. Your video helps in understanding my style. I find your presentation style very enjoyable and informative.
Really enjoyed your video. Teasing out interesting photographs from the mundane and everyday is challenging and very satisfying. No need for the exotic or unusual, documenting the simple direct beauty of the street makes my morning walks a joy.
Trying to shoot photographs with no feeling is the same as trying not to think about the pink elephant…it’s paradoxical. Trying to tell the viewer what they should feel when they look at a piece of art or listen to a song is patronizing and borderline propaganda. The person who looks at your photos will take away what they want and need, it’s not up for us to decide…that separates great art from dung. The intention and feeling of your work will ring true to the viewers more likely if it comes from a place of truly honest self expression, and that my friend is a difficult thing to do…that’s why i don’t like these sort of “style guide” videos…they never go deep enough, it’s just abot the aesthetics. We need to dwell a bit deeper and first and foremost ask the question why try to portrait the feeling of nothingness in the first place? Obviously here it’s done for the sake of the video but i think Alec Soth will have a more thought out reason behind his approach.
I think a dull feeling is a emotion itself. I totally agree that the viewer decides. That is what I have said many times. It is a bonius if the feeling is the same as the photographer intended.
Thanks a lot Peter, I was not aware that there was a genre-name for what I have been doing (not exclusively) in the last years. I will definitely dig deeper. A nice thing about this type of photography is, that it can be performed pretty much everywhere and all of the time. No travel required, no fancy set-up, not getting up at crazy times in the morning or at night. Since it can be done locally, it is a great way of showing a new view of your surrounding to your neighbors and other forlks living nearby.
To me it seems to be one of the most difficult types of photography to make because it is very hard to take a photograph that does not have an emotional impact. for example even abstract photography has an emotional impact. As the rational objective mind is always linked with the emotional and subjective mind. They work together. An example would be buildings without people present creates a feeling isolation and loneliness. the emotion of a simple scene with a snowy day and the feeling that cold brings to the viewer, the historic interest and social interest of buildings and urban scenes. I think the parking meter was devoid of emotion to me.
Thank You Peter for the video on Deadpan photography. Gee now I want to try it out especially on cloudy days in NE Ohio. I like what you said about 'low contrast' in taking these types of photos. I get it ... natural light without any embellishment can make 'Deadpan pictures' come alive 🤭😉.
I started on personal photograph and you got me think of where some of my inspiration comes from. The project is sort of along the lines of dead pan story telling of a place and a time which is how I view Fred Herzog's photography. of Vancouver in the 1950s and 1960s.
It sounds like I was unknowingly taking some Deadpan photos from the start however I was more inspired to take "Liminal Spaces", minimalist & texture photos. But I digress as art/styles is always in constant state of change.
Oh thanks for introducing this concept. First time I have heard about it. I'm single track minded so it will have to be a twist to do this when I want to. I thought man in front of a wall wearing a attire that says OM Digital Solutions would be excellent deadpan 😂😂😂
Interesting to see this. This is something like what I do I think. I'm obsessed with space as a subject that's what I look for in my photos. A dead center one-point perspective of something that emphasizes the space that surrounds it. It tends to be deadpan I guess sometimes and certainly minimalistic.
I have often been asked what sort of photos I like to take, I now know how to describe them "Deadpan" I always desaturate my images so they are almost monochrome but not quite
I've seen this and thought the photographer doesn't know when not to release the shutter. No thank you. I don't like this style. But I do appreciate Peter sharing his knowledge.
Thanks! Appreciated learning about this deadpan approach. I’ve got two problems with it. 1: I’ve got to work hard to capture something other than this style. (Autism can be a superpower :-) 2: It takes a special kind of person to appreciate the shots I’m most excited about. Typical reaction, “Yeah, I don’t get it.” It always reminds me of that line from Sunday In The Park With George… “I must paint a factory next!”
Here in Virginia (USA) it's Spring time so you're video made me cold! As things are starting to turn green and flowers are blooming I'm ready to say good bye to Winter! :) I've never heard of Deadpan Photography before your video. I was entertained, inspired and motivated to go out and try something new. Thank you for the inspiration, I'm subscribing to see what else you have next. Thank you. :)
My life is a deadpan life. Deadpan photography can be explored in evey direction, the rules told here should be broken. Forget surface beauty, go for a deeper kind of beauty. The ambition need not be plane parallell. Deadpan is challenging but also relieving. Endless possibilities. Emotion is in the viewers mind, not in the photographs. Nice video pointing out the direction for a kind of deep thinkers' photography. Thanks... 😊
Living in a city in northern Ohio (USA), 80 km from the Canadian border, I often have gray, drab days which are perfect for this style of photography. I'm delighted to learn about it! once again, for an inspiring message!
Hello Peter, a very interesting approach of taking photos. I never even heard about the word "deadpan". My bad, being German. I will try it most definitely. Thank you for the work you do and share with us.
Makes me think a little of Wes Anderson. A little. I dom't know. I get that it's supposed to be emotionless, but these flat shots of mundane objects give me a sense of, how would I put it? Cosy melancholy? Something relateable, like we all have these recognisable times of... flatness.
Interesting topic. Thanks for posting. This looks like an addition to my daily walks; something to promote some new ways of seeing. I really liked the way you used video to lead up to your photographs. Great job!
,. Thanks Peter❤ Your videos keep on boosting my passion to photography. Thou my gear for now is a cellphone, I still enjoy photography on my leisure time.. Deadpan is new to me and this thing will be my next project to consider❤❤❤ Stay safe sir. Thank you so much for inspiring us.. ❤❤❤☺
I'm discovering deadpan photography (as a specific name) and your channel at the same time. It's something I do in the sense that I focus most of my photographs on the subject itself. Nevertheless I treat it very differently because I take it as a portrait, as if it was human. I can't get rid of the emotional part, that's not what I'm looking for. But it could be interesting to try, especially when there's no inspiration. Just go out and shoot. At least there's a move.
I'm a bit of a fan of everyday, mundane etc. All too often today's world focuses on dramatic, unusual, extreme I reckon. Yet we're surrounded by the everyday, taken for granted and overlooked elements that hold the world together - great video Peter 👌👍
I used to do some of this deadpan style with black & white film on cloudy days. Yet the prints still needed the full range from pure white to deep black in order to look good. Without that, they looked like mistakes. It is possible to make an image that conveys flat light and a sense of low contrast while still using the full dynamic range of the print (or screen). What do you think, Peter?
Well... that was a surprise ! I have never thought about or heard of this concept before !!Very stimulating and practical video Peter with, for me , a new twist to photography .
I have never heard of this style of photography. It makes me laugh because if I had ever presented a deadpan photo at my camera club they would have laughed me to scorn. It's good to know that many styles can be accepted, even emotionless, flat, images. I had no idea!
Since it is something that literally everybody can do anywhere at any time there's no challenge whatsoever. Plus: photography is still photography; the codes are still there, "breaking them" is just a way of underlining them. Jackson Pollock's action painting looks like a revolution until you realize he is still working the same old rectangular flattish piece of hard stuff with the same old pigments plus solvent.
I think I call this “whatever catches my eye when wandering out in grey weather without clear destination” photography… though usually like to play with the colours a bit so not sure if I’ve ever done this properly 🤔🙂
I immediately thought that perhaps Deadpan Photography would be a good way to allow oneself to become comfortable shooting out in the public and gradually you will gravitate toward including people. Also being out there lets you notice that people around you mostly, really don't care about what you are up to and you will become more comfortable.
Peter, thank you. You gave me something new to think about when I go downtown and I am having a difficult time finding anything interesting to photograph. We are in the Spring Season here and it looks like you are in bitter Winter there. Stay warm.
i mean, its unusual and some people love unusual. i feel Peter's photos would net some sales if it was on sites that provide that kind of thing. in this case it's for fun with the concept.
Those with a curious mind. Granted that then rules out a huge majority of the population who want instant gratification. But then they'll only pay pennies anyway I'm guessing!
So basically, someone was bad at photography so they made it a style and now It's a thing. Don't get me wrong, I love the simplicity and use it unconsciusly (apparently) a lot.
I've used this style for YEARS this is the first time I've heard it referred to as "deadpan" photography. I understand the choice of the term deadpan, just didn't realize a need for a label for it
When I'm out doing street photography, I have a simple agenda and I simply take images of whatever interest me. I do not deliberately focus on one style or emotion at all. Having said that, I've never even heard of deadpan photography!
You have a good approach. Be yourself is a good guide to photoghraphy.
finally, the type of photography that matches my sense of humor!
i should give these a try. all that snow though is making me feel cold.
I live in London, we have had nonstop rain here for what feels like forever. The light is flat, the skies are grey, so my daily photography have been a challenge … until now. Thanks for the idea … 😊 📷 - subscribed …
I hadn’t even heard the term…I thought it might mean ‘taking photos without smiling’. Great video and love whatever you use on the vlog side. Unrelated, but like your website!
Awesome! Thank you!
I’ve unconsciously always gravitated toward this style but never had a name for it. Having this definition is very helpful to maybe better understand myself. Thank you.
Glad to hear that.
Thanks a lot for this video, it's very inspiring... in a weird way. For about a year now I've been struggling with finding a new inspiration and new ideas, because all pre-war interests and activities began to feel... I don't know how to put it... meaningless? Now I think I have been instinctively drifting towards deadpan photography, though I didn't know that it was even a defined style. I will definitely continue doing it because it seems to match my emotional condition now.
Now days photography is all about emotion and colors this technique Is interesting, something to try, as you said when we are not in good mood for go out to shoot because we are not pump up, maybe we can still create something good, an why not clean our minds.
Well said.
Inspiring , and confirming same ideas . Thank you.
Thanks.
Looking... forward... to.................. The Next Grey Day. [cheers]
Thanks. You have just added a new string to my bow.
Glad to hear!
Interesting concept. It makes me want to revisit past images to see if I have unconsciously captured images in this style. I expect I have because the concept resonates with me.
Do that and hope you find inspiration from those images.
Gursky was a student of the Bechers. The german equivalent for what you describe as "deadpan", as used in art history textbooks, would be "Düsseldorf School of Photography" as a movement (Becher, Gursky, Ruff, and others). There is some overlap to how you describe your take on deadpan, yet also some notable differences.
Thanks for the info! I did not know that Gursky was a student of the Becher couple. That explains a lot!
Good to know 👍
I’m still trying to make sense of deadpan photos….not getting it really, not really understanding why…..did I miss the reason when I got up for a cup of coffee?
I get it.
@@jackslater8688 I’m slow, I wish someone would splain it to me
I find it fascinating when the conventions are challenged. It makes the mind spin.
@@ForsgardPeter I was just watching another one of your videos…thank you
Mine too
I don't know why, but I instantly thought about Kouvola. Ok, I know why. Sori, Kouvola. Concrete brutalism in dull weather just works best in this style. Seriously speaking deadpan style can be the savior of dull days. Thank you for reminding this as we are in dull pre-spring season here in Finland. Meaning spring is coming but winter doesn't want to let go yet, resulting warm but overcast days. I think I would need a soecial photographers calendar and weather app to constantly reminding what I coukd photograph today and what style
Kouvola would be a great place to photograph deadpan photos!
That's one style of photography that I cannot get into. Always been told/taught by the videographers that you should have a subject or emotion that tells a story or relates to a moment. Not sure if I expressed it properly, but when I'm on a walk about I'm always scanning for a photographic opportunity, or even when I'm in my car at a stoplight. Always searching for that elusive subject.
Emotion are important in photographs. Dead pan is an emotion itself even though I was talking about emotionless photographs.
Thank you for introducing us to the deadpan style of photography.
Although I had never heard of deadpan photography, many of my images seem to fall within that style. Your video helps in understanding my style.
I find your presentation style very enjoyable and informative.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.
Really enjoyed your video. Teasing out interesting photographs from the mundane and everyday is challenging and very satisfying. No need for the exotic or unusual, documenting the simple direct beauty of the street makes my morning walks a joy.
Yes, that is why I find deadpan photography so interesting.
Trying to shoot photographs with no feeling is the same as trying not to think about the pink elephant…it’s paradoxical. Trying to tell the viewer what they should feel when they look at a piece of art or listen to a song is patronizing and borderline propaganda. The person who looks at your photos will take away what they want and need, it’s not up for us to decide…that separates great art from dung. The intention and feeling of your work will ring true to the viewers more likely if it comes from a place of truly honest self expression, and that my friend is a difficult thing to do…that’s why i don’t like these sort of “style guide” videos…they never go deep enough, it’s just abot the aesthetics. We need to dwell a bit deeper and first and foremost ask the question why try to portrait the feeling of nothingness in the first place? Obviously here it’s done for the sake of the video but i think Alec Soth will have a more thought out reason behind his approach.
I think a dull feeling is a emotion itself. I totally agree that the viewer decides. That is what I have said many times. It is a bonius if the feeling is the same as the photographer intended.
Thanks a lot Peter, I was not aware that there was a genre-name for what I have been doing (not exclusively) in the last years. I will definitely dig deeper. A nice thing about this type of photography is, that it can be performed pretty much everywhere and all of the time. No travel required, no fancy set-up, not getting up at crazy times in the morning or at night. Since it can be done locally, it is a great way of showing a new view of your surrounding to your neighbors and other forlks living nearby.
Thanks. You are absolutely right about that no fancy stuff or travel is needed. That is one part why I like deadpan photography.
To me it seems to be one of the most difficult types of photography to make because it is very hard to take a photograph that does not have an emotional impact. for example even abstract photography has an emotional impact. As the rational objective mind is always linked with the emotional and subjective mind. They work together.
An example would be buildings without people present creates a feeling isolation and loneliness.
the emotion of a simple scene with a snowy day and the feeling that cold brings to the viewer, the historic interest and social interest of buildings and urban scenes. I think the parking meter was devoid of emotion to me.
Thanks for sharing. A dull photograph can evoke emotion, a dull feeling itself is an emotion.
Thank You Peter for the video on Deadpan photography. Gee now I want to try it out especially on cloudy days in NE Ohio. I like what you said about 'low contrast' in taking these types of photos. I get it ... natural light without any embellishment can make 'Deadpan pictures' come alive 🤭😉.
I started on personal photograph and you got me think of where some of my inspiration comes from. The project is sort of along the lines of dead pan story telling of a place and a time which is how I view Fred Herzog's photography. of Vancouver in the 1950s and 1960s.
Interesting subject. Sounds fun to blend existing and Deadpan (flat no contrast, straight on)
Thanks Peter for the cool tip and for sharing with us 👍
It sounds like I was unknowingly taking some Deadpan photos from the start however I was more inspired to take "Liminal Spaces", minimalist & texture photos. But I digress as art/styles is always in constant state of change.
Very interesting! Thank you! I’ll surely try it. In Sweden we have at least 9 months of overcast days. If you can’t beat them join them. :)
Oh thanks for introducing this concept. First time I have heard about it. I'm single track minded so it will have to be a twist to do this when I want to. I thought man in front of a wall wearing a attire that says OM Digital Solutions would be excellent deadpan 😂😂😂
Interesting to see this. This is something like what I do I think. I'm obsessed with space as a subject that's what I look for in my photos. A dead center one-point perspective of something that emphasizes the space that surrounds it. It tends to be deadpan I guess sometimes and certainly minimalistic.
I have often been asked what sort of photos I like to take, I now know how to describe them "Deadpan" I always desaturate my images so they are almost monochrome but not quite
I've seen this and thought the photographer doesn't know when not to release the shutter.
No thank you. I don't like this style.
But I do appreciate Peter sharing his knowledge.
Thanks Peter I found that very interesting. I will work on that and see what I can do. A good option when you don't have good light as you said.
Thanks for sharing (and braving the cold) Peter. :-)
My first thought was this reminded me a bit of _New Topographics_ and then sure enough you brought up the Bechers
Didn’t know my style had a name, this encourages me to move on. Thanks.
Interesting, Peter, thanks: now I know that what I like is deadpan minimalistic street photography!
A great genre to practice on those frequent dull cloudy winter days. Thank you for the inspiration.
My pleasure!
Wow, that is awesome. Looking up further info on deadpan now. Certainly going to give it a try
Interesting! Thanks for sharing this video 😊
So you're telling me you're not going to follow MY rules? 🤣
Thanks! Appreciated learning about this deadpan approach. I’ve got two problems with it. 1: I’ve got to work hard to capture something other than this style. (Autism can be a superpower :-) 2: It takes a special kind of person to appreciate the shots I’m most excited about. Typical reaction, “Yeah, I don’t get it.” It always reminds me of that line from Sunday In The Park With George… “I must paint a factory next!”
You have good questions. Many of the deadpan photographs are a mystery, what is good about them. That is why I also find it very interesting.
Hello everyone. I didn’t know the term deadpan. This style of photos is very inspiring. Great weekend.
Christine from FRance
Thank you! You too!
Here in Virginia (USA) it's Spring time so you're video made me cold! As things are starting to turn green and flowers are blooming I'm ready to say good bye to Winter! :) I've never heard of Deadpan Photography before your video. I was entertained, inspired and motivated to go out and try something new. Thank you for the inspiration, I'm subscribing to see what else you have next. Thank you. :)
Thanks. I hope I can make something that will be interesting.
My life is a deadpan life. Deadpan photography can be explored in evey direction, the rules told here should be broken. Forget surface beauty, go for a deeper kind of beauty. The ambition need not be plane parallell. Deadpan is challenging but also relieving. Endless possibilities.
Emotion is in the viewers mind, not in the photographs.
Nice video pointing out the direction for a kind of deep thinkers' photography. Thanks... 😊
Well said.
Living in a city in northern Ohio (USA), 80 km from the Canadian border, I often have gray, drab days which are perfect for this style of photography. I'm delighted to learn about it! once again, for an inspiring message!
Thank you very much!
Hello Peter, a very interesting approach of taking photos. I never even heard about the word "deadpan". My bad, being German. I will try it most definitely. Thank you for the work you do and share with us.
Many thanks!
Makes me think a little of Wes Anderson. A little.
I dom't know. I get that it's supposed to be emotionless, but these flat shots of mundane objects give me a sense of, how would I put it? Cosy melancholy? Something relateable, like we all have these recognisable times of... flatness.
Wes Andersson has almost a deadpan style.
Interesting topic. Thanks for posting. This looks like an addition to my daily walks; something to promote some new ways of seeing. I really liked the way you used video to lead up to your photographs. Great job!
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!
,. Thanks Peter❤ Your videos keep on boosting my passion to photography. Thou my gear for now is a cellphone, I still enjoy photography on my leisure time.. Deadpan is new to me and this thing will be my next project to consider❤❤❤ Stay safe sir. Thank you so much for inspiring us.. ❤❤❤☺
Great to hear! Phone is a very good camera. It is all about how to use it.
I'm discovering deadpan photography (as a specific name) and your channel at the same time. It's something I do in the sense that I focus most of my photographs on the subject itself. Nevertheless I treat it very differently because I take it as a portrait, as if it was human. I can't get rid of the emotional part, that's not what I'm looking for. But it could be interesting to try, especially when there's no inspiration. Just go out and shoot. At least there's a move.
Here again well said!
I'm a bit of a fan of everyday, mundane etc. All too often today's world focuses on dramatic, unusual, extreme I reckon. Yet we're surrounded by the everyday, taken for granted and overlooked elements that hold the world together - great video Peter 👌👍
Thanks.
I used to do some of this deadpan style with black & white film on cloudy days. Yet the prints still needed the full range from pure white to deep black in order to look good. Without that, they looked like mistakes. It is possible to make an image that conveys flat light and a sense of low contrast while still using the full dynamic range of the print (or screen). What do you think, Peter?
Interesting question. I need to think about this.
Well... that was a surprise ! I have never thought about or heard of this concept before !!Very stimulating and practical video Peter with, for me , a new twist to photography .
Great to hear.
I have never heard of this style of photography. It makes me laugh because if I had ever presented a deadpan photo at my camera club they would have laughed me to scorn.
It's good to know that many styles can be accepted, even emotionless, flat, images. I had no idea!
I can imagine that deadpan style is not very popular in camera clubs...
Since it is something that literally everybody can do anywhere at any time there's no challenge whatsoever. Plus: photography is still photography; the codes are still there, "breaking them" is just a way of underlining them. Jackson Pollock's action painting looks like a revolution until you realize he is still working the same old rectangular flattish piece of hard stuff with the same old pigments plus solvent.
Well said.
I think I call this “whatever catches my eye when wandering out in grey weather without clear destination” photography… though usually like to play with the colours a bit so not sure if I’ve ever done this properly 🤔🙂
Well said!
I immediately thought that perhaps Deadpan Photography would be a good way to allow oneself to become comfortable shooting out in the public and gradually you will gravitate toward including people. Also being out there lets you notice that people around you mostly, really don't care about what you are up to and you will become more comfortable.
You are absolutely right.
Peter, thank you. You gave me something new to think about when I go downtown and I am having a difficult time finding anything interesting to photograph. We are in the Spring Season here and it looks like you are in bitter Winter there. Stay warm.
Yes there is still winter in the north, but here in Helsinki the spring is a round the corner.
You certainly got me thinking differently. Many thanks for a great video.
Glad to hear that.
Excellent video!! Really enjoy your approach to explaining the concept.
Thank you.
You’ve inspired me for my next photo walk. Cheers!
Thanks. Have fun!
Gursky doesn't take things as they are, he composes images from photographs, changing them greatly until they represent how he likes to see the world.
You are right, but his approach aestheticly is deadpan. He also photographes everyday objects.
I enjoyed your video Peter. I’m travelling to London tomorrow and will give this style a try on my walks.
Sounds great!
Still snowing there? 😳 I'm going to Finland right now.! 😅💪
Up in the North it is. In Helsinki it is almost like spring.
4:03 All those wonderful tyre marks in the snow!
Thanks.
Eye opening. Thanks for the inspiration.
Glad you enjoyed it!
ill try It thx
Thank you, I learn a new thing today
Glad to hear it!
For a commercial photographer this would appear to be a waste of time - who is going to buy such images?
You never know. I think it could have alot of potential in many commercial photographs. Might not be the main stream.
i mean, its unusual and some people love unusual. i feel Peter's photos would net some sales if it was on sites that provide that kind of thing.
in this case it's for fun with the concept.
Those with a curious mind. Granted that then rules out a huge majority of the population who want instant gratification. But then they'll only pay pennies anyway I'm guessing!
📸
So basically, someone was bad at photography so they made it a style and now It's a thing. Don't get me wrong, I love the simplicity and use it unconsciusly (apparently) a lot.
Pretty much what you said.
I've used this style for YEARS this is the first time I've heard it referred to as "deadpan" photography. I understand the choice of the term deadpan, just didn't realize a need for a label for it