I almost missed this video, and here I am with my jaw on the floor as I take in Wolfgang's work. Amazing and inspiring. To your point, shadows / blacks are not only overlooked - but even frowned upon by so many. A big takeaway for me here is, be careful of safe / standard advice in the photography community - lean into ideas, unapologetically. Thanks Alex, for your excellent and very much valued content here.
Those are fantastic pictures! They are particularly interesting to me since I've been working on an abstract series about shapes in public places and have been thinking about transporting the stuff I've learned into portrait photography. This is really giving me ideas - and the pictures are incredibly beautiful.
@@ThePhotographicEye Speaking very generally it's the usage of silhouettes for basic shapes like triangles, which is then contrasted by detail. So far I've worked a lot with very dark shadows contrasted by reflecting surfaces.
Love the video here! Not "only" for the photography recommendations. But also for you getting a bit back to your "youtube roots" by introducing us to the work of a - truly remarkable - photographer.
Thanks, Peter. Yeah, I’ve been given it some thought about splitting out the content and focusing on the things that I enjoyed talking about and moving the more technical orientated stuff over to another channel.
Thank you for watching David. I thought it would be helpful not to just keep it focused on portrait photography but rather help other people to apply it in their own genres.
This is extraordinary instruction. It is getting so one could learn most of what is needed to get started in the field of photography, minus personal feedback. Thanks. Will visit more as I learn enough to understand and use this genre. I am just getting started and still on flowers and trees.
Thanks Alex for sharing these images from Wolfgang Gangl. I think you are right that the idea of design should be paramount when creating narrative images. Loving the shadows as well as loving the light source to remove distractions and bring out shape seems simple, but boy is it effective!
Thank you Alex for sharing your experiences with image analysis! There are far too few courses and discussions about the image itself. Since last spring I have discovered your site and seen exactly all your UA-cam posts. very educational! I miss and wish for a picture reading and analyse of fantastic Mark Power's project "Good morning america" and why not Gregory Crewdson. Same wonderful subjects and environments but with different purpose and methods. Keep on the same track Alex! I love to read pictures and analyze the photography works and every new UA-cam post I always want to by another new photobook. Best regards //Patrik
Hi Patrik. Thanks for the comments - I really appreciate it. I've not heard of Mark Power before, but I love his images. And also thank you for reminding me of Gregory Crewdson. One of my students in the last cohort used an image of his as inspiration for his photography.
Love this photographer, thank you for sharing! I caught myself lately to move towards minimalistic and high contrast photos instead of previously years of dark and bold with photocollage. So seeing Wolfgang's work really hit that nerve
@@ThePhotographicEye In my home studio, let's call it that way, cause I do have pretty unusual models to work with. It's ball jointed dolls. I'm an amateur photographer per standard award rules aka I do not gain any profit from my work as a photographer. After years I do see pattern of what I really like the most: it's center composition, symmetry, clean, vibrant and bold images with lately moving towards more monochromatic colors. That's why Wolfgang's works are really caught my attention, since it has the whole package you've actually mentioned during your video!
Hi Alex, thanks for this video it was nice to watch. I used to avoid Shadow's in my photography, I thought that Shadows spoilt a photo. But after watching your videos I now embrace and include them in my photography in the right situation. Thanks Alex 😊
I’m glad it helped you out and I do feel that a lot of people are certainly ignoring shadows or thinking that they can be a problem rather than a asset in your photographs What was it that was the moment for you when you were watching?
@@ThePhotographicEye The photos you showed from Wolfgang and the Shadows in his pictures really stood out. That was the moment in this video. But there were a lot of moments in your videos that made sense to include Shadows. Watching other photographers in your videos and the way they included Shadow's, and also your photos that had Shadow's. Cheers.
Thank you for sharing this interesting photographer! My first thought went to René Gruau. Very similar approach to image structure. Different medium, but I think it is very close to understanding and using the space in a picture.
@@ThePhotographicEye If I had to pick one, that'll be the last one, massive negative space and a horizontal beam on her face. What a Masterpiece! (14:31)
Well, I’m glad you found it helpful and I’m sure that when you get out there looking at your landscape photography, you’ll start to see ways that you can apply the concept here
Very interesting set of images which are visually stunning. I can help thinking whether the final image is actually shot in a studio or whether the images (especially the shadows) are digitally added in post? What made me think of this was with the image of the lady with the ruff. There is a light source on the ruff and her face yet no light on her hairpiece which you would expect. Maybe I am being too critical but it would be interesting to know how they are achieved.😊
This was my thought also when I saw these images. The shadows are so flat that I think these might be be masks digitally made. Regardless great concept.
While striking, they reminds me very much of many magazine covers and posters from a bygone era. Very East German, theatrical, Cabaret, Marlene Dietrich stuff! I'm not sure I could get through an entire book of them because, by their nature, they are all very similar. Not a criticism, just a subjective observation. 😊
Yes I don’t think that these are something that you would page through in a book, but they are more statement pieces that I would see being on a wall and very large format print
I did say to my wife that a few people had noticed the bottle of Mrs balls on the counter and she was quite surprised but yes, well spotted it is indeed
Possibly, but also if you look at the work of Irving Penn from back in the day, you’ll see that those kind of layouts were actually quite fashionable and the images were designed specifically to allow that
Great video, anytime I can learn about a new photographer, particularly one with such distinctly graphic images. Going down more or less that same rabbit hole, you might want to check out the Dutch photographer Bastian Woudt.
You know ; these images are copies of POSTER ART of the Art Deco Period , from the 1920 to 1935 time , many Travel Posters , and Steam Line , advertising posters used these geometric lines , and contrasts , and the clean forms of men and women in again Poster Arts ... that is why I love to collect Art Books upon Illustrators , I use to to stimulate my own creativity.
But didn’t you know that I am a creature of habit and Will will continue to use things until they fall apart! If you want to sponsor another mug on the channel, then please be my guest 😊
It is indeed it’s the jalapeño version which I picked up at the market down in the local town the weekend I’ve also got some Ouma Rusks hiding in a cupboard somewhere
I almost missed this video, and here I am with my jaw on the floor as I take in Wolfgang's work. Amazing and inspiring. To your point, shadows / blacks are not only overlooked - but even frowned upon by so many. A big takeaway for me here is, be careful of safe / standard advice in the photography community - lean into ideas, unapologetically. Thanks Alex, for your excellent and very much valued content here.
I’m very glad that you enjoyed watching the video with me and I look forward to sharing more photographers in the future
Brilliant! Thank you for introducing me to this photographer's amazing work! ❤
Thanks for sharing another, to me, interesting photographer, and nice new twist, with the pen to mark the photos, love your work.
My pleasure - glad to hear you enjoyed the annotiatons on the images.
Thanks for this video Alex. Will certainly explore more of Wolfgang's work. PS: love the Mrs Balls Chutney in the background.
Thanks ever so much for watching. Yes, I also like the Mrs. Balls in the background. 😄
Those are fantastic pictures! They are particularly interesting to me since I've been working on an abstract series about shapes in public places and have been thinking about transporting the stuff I've learned into portrait photography. This is really giving me ideas - and the pictures are incredibly beautiful.
I’m glad to hear that they could help you. Which technique or approach resonated with you the most?
@@ThePhotographicEye Speaking very generally it's the usage of silhouettes for basic shapes like triangles, which is then contrasted by detail. So far I've worked a lot with very dark shadows contrasted by reflecting surfaces.
Love the video here! Not "only" for the photography recommendations. But also for you getting a bit back to your "youtube roots" by introducing us to the work of a - truly remarkable - photographer.
Thanks, Peter. Yeah, I’ve been given it some thought about splitting out the content and focusing on the things that I enjoyed talking about and moving the more technical orientated stuff over to another channel.
I like the way you used Wolfgang's work as examples to apply in other genres. Thanks Alex
Thank you for watching David. I thought it would be helpful not to just keep it focused on portrait photography but rather help other people to apply it in their own genres.
What a photographer Wolfgang Gangl. And also what a clear structured explanation. With these elements we can continue working. Thanks.
Very happy to hear that you found it helpful. Did you enjoy the annotations on the screen that I was making?
@@ThePhotographicEye Of course, the annotations are a welcome enhancement to your fascinating expositions on photography. There had to be more.
This is extraordinary instruction. It is getting so one could learn most of what is needed to get started in the field of photography, minus personal feedback. Thanks. Will visit more as I learn enough to understand and use this genre. I am just getting started and still on flowers and trees.
Thanks Alex for sharing these images from Wolfgang Gangl. I think you are right that the idea of design should be paramount when creating narrative images. Loving the shadows as well as loving the light source to remove distractions and bring out shape seems simple, but boy is it effective!
Glad you enjoyed watching it Mark likes a lot of things in a photography. The simple approaches often the best.
Thank you Alex for sharing your experiences with image analysis!
There are far too few courses and discussions about the image itself. Since last spring I have discovered your site and seen exactly all your UA-cam posts. very educational!
I miss and wish for a picture reading and analyse of fantastic Mark Power's project "Good morning america" and why not Gregory Crewdson. Same wonderful subjects and environments but with different purpose and methods.
Keep on the same track Alex!
I love to read pictures and analyze the photography works and every new UA-cam post I always want to by another new photobook.
Best regards //Patrik
Hi Patrik.
Thanks for the comments - I really appreciate it.
I've not heard of Mark Power before, but I love his images. And also thank you for reminding me of Gregory Crewdson. One of my students in the last cohort used an image of his as inspiration for his photography.
Spectacular images. Gobsmackingly so... Thanks for this video and introduction...
Incredible. Thank you for introducing Wolfgang to us. 🎉
It’s absolutely my pleasure. Be sure to check out his Instagram account.
Super inspiring! I get excited when you introduce photographers whose work is so unique. Thanks!
My pleasure Tor! Glad you enjoyed it
Love this photographer, thank you for sharing! I caught myself lately to move towards minimalistic and high contrast photos instead of previously years of dark and bold with photocollage. So seeing Wolfgang's work really hit that nerve
I’m glad that it gave you some inspiration. Are you going to do work outside or in studio?
@@ThePhotographicEye In my home studio, let's call it that way, cause I do have pretty unusual models to work with. It's ball jointed dolls. I'm an amateur photographer per standard award rules aka I do not gain any profit from my work as a photographer. After years I do see pattern of what I really like the most: it's center composition, symmetry, clean, vibrant and bold images with lately moving towards more monochromatic colors. That's why Wolfgang's works are really caught my attention, since it has the whole package you've actually mentioned during your video!
Wow, love love love Wolfgang Gangl's take on portraits. Greetings from South Africa (kliek groete)
Dannie!
Another thought provoking video has flown by. Thanks for the inspiration Alex 👍📸
I’m really glad that you enjoyed it thanks ever so much for watching there will be more coming
Hi Alex, thanks for this video it was nice to watch. I used to avoid Shadow's in my photography, I thought that Shadows spoilt a photo. But after watching your videos I now embrace and include them in my photography in the right situation. Thanks Alex 😊
I’m glad it helped you out and I do feel that a lot of people are certainly ignoring shadows or thinking that they can be a problem rather than a asset in your photographs
What was it that was the moment for you when you were watching?
@@ThePhotographicEye The photos you showed from Wolfgang and the Shadows in his pictures really stood out. That was the moment in this video. But there were a lot of moments in your videos that made sense to include Shadows. Watching other photographers in your videos and the way they included Shadow's, and also your photos that had Shadow's. Cheers.
Thank you for sharing this interesting photographer! My first thought went to René Gruau. Very similar approach to image structure. Different medium, but I think it is very close to understanding and using the space in a picture.
Thank you so much for watching the video. I’m glad that you enjoyed it. Also thank you for that suggestion. I shall go and look them up.
Love your channel Alex, I got a lot out of your analysis of Gangl's wonderful images thanks.
I’m glad that you enjoyed it, Phil what did you particularly like about Wolfgang’s photographs?
Thank you Alex for your interesting approach on analysing Wolfgang Gangl's photographs.
It’s absolutely my pleasure and thank you so much for watching which one of the photographs was your favourite
@@ThePhotographicEye If I had to pick one, that'll be the last one, massive negative space and a horizontal beam on her face. What a Masterpiece! (14:31)
Wow, those shadows, shapes, and spaces. Now I am thinking how I might use this in lighting or darkening some of my macro photos.
I’m glad to hear that it’s giving you a bit of inspiration there what sort of things do you photograph in macro?
@@ThePhotographicEye usually nature related - flowers, insect, fungi, patterns. From 0.5X to 5x under natural, LED, and UV light.
Wow. Wow. Wow!! Now I'm thinking, how do I apply that to landscape!?? Something to work on.....😊
Well, I’m glad you found it helpful and I’m sure that when you get out there looking at your landscape photography, you’ll start to see ways that you can apply the concept here
Interesting video once again. Reminded me of a lot of images of Grace Jones from the 80s
Yes! Now you mention it, very much so!
Wow! Amazing work and great video. Thx
My pleasure whereabouts are you watching from?
Very interesting set of images which are visually stunning. I can help thinking whether the final image is actually shot in a studio or whether the images (especially the shadows) are digitally added in post? What made me think of this was with the image of the lady with the ruff. There is a light source on the ruff and her face yet no light on her hairpiece which you would expect. Maybe I am being too critical but it would be interesting to know how they are achieved.😊
This was my thought also when I saw these images. The shadows are so flat that I think these might be be masks digitally made. Regardless great concept.
Great video
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it.
Thank you very much Great lecture.
You are welcome!
While striking, they reminds me very much of many magazine covers and posters from a bygone era. Very East German, theatrical, Cabaret, Marlene Dietrich stuff! I'm not sure I could get through an entire book of them because, by their nature, they are all very similar. Not a criticism, just a subjective observation. 😊
Yes I don’t think that these are something that you would page through in a book, but they are more statement pieces that I would see being on a wall and very large format print
Excellent video, thank you. However the bottle of Mevrous Blatyang (think i spelled it right) was a bit distracting for me. 😄
I did say to my wife that a few people had noticed the bottle of Mrs balls on the counter and she was quite surprised but yes, well spotted it is indeed
great stuff Alex
Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed watching it
Wonderful video
Many thanks
❤❤❤
Wouldn’t modern commercial magazines see the blank areas as ripe for placement of ad copy?
Possibly, but also if you look at the work of Irving Penn from back in the day, you’ll see that those kind of layouts were actually quite fashionable and the images were designed specifically to allow that
Who likes Wolfgang should also have a look at Bastiaan Woudt.
I saw Mrs Balls Chutney on your counter top 😅
😋 you didn’t indeed and that’s the jalapeño version which I’m also very fond of
Whereabouts in South Africa are you watching from?
The photos remind me somewhat of the work of František Drtikol
Never heard of that photographer, so thank you for that. I’ll have to go and look them up.
Great video Alex ! 😀
If you don’t mind, what is the tool / tablet that you are using to draw on the photo?
I’m using an iPad and Apple Pencil and then procreate
Great video, anytime I can learn about a new photographer, particularly one with such distinctly graphic images. Going down more or less that same rabbit hole, you might want to check out the Dutch photographer Bastian Woudt.
Glad it was helpful! I do like his work very much - quite reminisant of Penn. Any other suggestions?
@@ThePhotographicEye well, I did see some new images from Vee Speers, who I know about because of you😀
You know ; these images are copies of POSTER ART of the Art Deco Period , from the 1920 to 1935 time , many Travel Posters , and Steam Line , advertising posters used these geometric lines , and contrasts , and the clean forms of men and women in again Poster Arts ... that is why I love to collect Art Books upon Illustrators , I use to to stimulate my own creativity.
Actually, now that you mention it you are right yet there’s a lot of art deco very strong angular feeling about these images isn’t there?
Alex ,love your work ,but please get yourself another mug-the one in this video looks,, strange''
But didn’t you know that I am a creature of habit and Will will continue to use things until they fall apart!
If you want to sponsor another mug on the channel, then please be my guest 😊
Mrs Ball’s chutney?
It is indeed it’s the jalapeño version which I picked up at the market down in the local town the weekend
I’ve also got some Ouma Rusks hiding in a cupboard somewhere
First!
@@kennethnielsen3864 congrats, you win a cookie 🍪
damn, I wanted a cookie :(
@@ThePhotographicEye thanks a lot, I wil come by and collect it, if I am ever in your neighborhood😁😁😁