Photoshop is not enough
It started a few months ago with a general feeling of dissatisfaction with my photographs. Its not that I thought they were bad, it was just that they didn’t meet my inner vision. I was finding that my photography was stopping me creating the images in my head.
My imagination is strongly influenced by science fiction and fantasy. The images in my head are often fantastic in nature. The problem with photography is that unless you have a huge budget you can’t create fantastic surrealist photographs. So over time I have come to realise that I need other avenues with which to explore my art. While I love taking photographs and people do appear to like the photographs I take, I need something more. Photography cannot, by itself, fulfil my needs.
But where to go?
While I can draw and paint, I’m not as talented as my son, and I need to incorporate my strengths. So I have been searching over the last few months for something that would ‘float my boat’.
The type of images I want to create are very similar in nature to those used in sci-fi feature films, where pretty much anything you can imagine can be created. Obviously a feature film budget is very, very large, but in recent years the tools used in Hollywood to create these effects have been coming down, to the point where they are available to buy at the prices we would usually pay for photographic equipment.
Now computers are my “thing.” I was one of the first wave of computer kids back in the 70’s when I was loaned a Compucolor I. I taught myself programming and machine code from the computers handbook and by the early 80’s I had two programs published. So I understand just about everything you can do with these things. Solid modelling, video compositing, coding, it’s pretty much second nature to me.
So where am I going?
Well, I am going to merge my photographic skills with CGI. I have invested in many new tools and training information, and I’m going to teach myself the tools and techniques to make my visions come to life. This new artistic medium will take quite a long time to learn, and is a vertical learning curve for me. However it is the only way I can make my art do what I want. Each unique image will probably take weeks of work, and may require a real-life model as well.
As I tried to explain to Lin, photography is not over for me, but it just can’t fulfil all of my vision. So there will still be photographs, but I’ll also show some of my new work in progress as I learn the process of building the skills I need.
Who am I?
I’m Mr Fluffy, l'artista digitale.
From my “Insanity” shoot with Sirensong.
No Photoshop or CGI. Yet.
My imagination is strongly influenced by science fiction and fantasy. The images in my head are often fantastic in nature. The problem with photography is that unless you have a huge budget you can’t create fantastic surrealist photographs. So over time I have come to realise that I need other avenues with which to explore my art. While I love taking photographs and people do appear to like the photographs I take, I need something more. Photography cannot, by itself, fulfil my needs.
But where to go?
While I can draw and paint, I’m not as talented as my son, and I need to incorporate my strengths. So I have been searching over the last few months for something that would ‘float my boat’.
The type of images I want to create are very similar in nature to those used in sci-fi feature films, where pretty much anything you can imagine can be created. Obviously a feature film budget is very, very large, but in recent years the tools used in Hollywood to create these effects have been coming down, to the point where they are available to buy at the prices we would usually pay for photographic equipment.
Now computers are my “thing.” I was one of the first wave of computer kids back in the 70’s when I was loaned a Compucolor I. I taught myself programming and machine code from the computers handbook and by the early 80’s I had two programs published. So I understand just about everything you can do with these things. Solid modelling, video compositing, coding, it’s pretty much second nature to me.
So where am I going?
Well, I am going to merge my photographic skills with CGI. I have invested in many new tools and training information, and I’m going to teach myself the tools and techniques to make my visions come to life. This new artistic medium will take quite a long time to learn, and is a vertical learning curve for me. However it is the only way I can make my art do what I want. Each unique image will probably take weeks of work, and may require a real-life model as well.
As I tried to explain to Lin, photography is not over for me, but it just can’t fulfil all of my vision. So there will still be photographs, but I’ll also show some of my new work in progress as I learn the process of building the skills I need.
Who am I?
I’m Mr Fluffy, l'artista digitale.
From my “Insanity” shoot with Sirensong.
No Photoshop or CGI. Yet.
posted by Rich at 10:17 AM
3 Comments:
Yay Rich! Go CGI! Can't wait to see what you come up with, knowing your natural skills with what can be very difficult applications. CGI is my "next thing" too. I've been playing with TrueSpace for some time now, as it's relatively cheap compared to others and has a very intuitive, easy to use toolset - way easier than the likes of Maya or 3DStudio. It's a rather underrated tool, but with a lot of potential.
I may spend time with Blender soon, as it is finally getting the ability to export to some decent rendering systems.
I'm going initially to use it for a distinctly non-art purpose - to remodel our new house before we spend any money. That way, Lady T can see and approve what we'll end up with before I start doing anything destructive ;-)
Though I do see a distinct connection between CGI, architecture and art. I'd love one day to build a staircase like this
http://www.yafray.org/sec/8/common/show_img.php?file=98_scyguo.jpg
Please do show us some early pics soon.
Rich,
Rock on...cant wait to see what you create.
bt
Wonderful article!
I'm older than you, Richard, but we have strikingly similar backgrounds. Mine began with a brief affair with an Altair kit before moving to early versions of an Apple I and an Apple II, followed by a Lisa, many Macs, and then a string of PCs.
Very exciting times for nerds. I loved it. And frankly, I miss those times. But as you know, the software business isn't now, nor will it ever be again, like those nascent, heady days. Like really good wine, I savor them now, knowing there's no going back.
I understand completely your desire to engage and express your vision at a different level. But instead of CGI and fantasy, I've been thinking lately of shooting some film--a desire spurred on by Lin's post about Weston's work. It was startling to see--and remember--the stunning range and eroticism of a real film image.
Anyway, I'm very much looking forward to your new work. And please, share with us your journey, not just the destination.
Best wishes,
Will
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