If you want to see some examples of impressive “impossible” photography, then consider the work of the four photographers featured here.
These artists have redefined the standards for what should be considered impossible photography. They have pushed the limits of digital photography, shot composition, lighting, and post-production. Their work has an undeniable draw that we as the viewer cannot ignore.
Holger Pooten is a master of lighting, timing, and post-production compositing
Holger Pooten manages to transform a simple fax machine into a work of art by disassembling it into components and parts and making it the subject of a dramatically lit photograph.
Other works from Holger’s personal collection demonstrate a flair for the dramatic. Such as this photograph of a man who is spontaneously catching fire.
I especially like this image of different styles of shoes stopping to refuel at a Texaco station. The idea of shoes as transportation, comprable to automobiles just made me smile.
The commissioned work Holger did for Nike is also impressive. Runners were caught while in mid-air so that they appear to be floating.
This last image is another work where Holger captures something mid-motion. Causing us to reflect on what action is taking place in this distinct moment.
Holger works in the UK and Germany for companies like Nike, Adidas, Vogue, and Intel. Please note that a few of the samples in Holger’s portfolio may be considered not safe for work.
Li Wei creates reality defying photographs
Chinese photographer Li Wei has been astounding audiences with his impossible photographic works since 1999.
I am just amazed at the creativity demonstrated by Li. His photographs of people hurling each other, landing head first into the ground, and hanging dangerously outside a building are breathtaking.
One of the most impressive feats of Li Wei’s technique is that his photographs are not manipulated in post-production. Li carefully stages his subjects and shoots photos from angles that result in photographs that defy gravity and imagination.
Integrated digital photography, a new art pioneered by Platinum FMD
Platinum FMD describes itself as an “image conception studio that uses all available artistic means to find the best solution to create images” and a group who “strives to make impossible images become reality.”
The works created by Platinum’s team are astounding. The photographic imagery created by Platinum’s artists forces the viewer to stop in awe.
So, how do they create these kinds of images? Platinum uses something they call integrated digital photography – which involves mixing all available resources including photography, illustration, 3D and CGI.
Charlie White constructs photos using actors, directors, and a visual effects team
Charlie White is an artist who challenged us to consider what things might look like of extra terrestrials were part of our every day lives. In a series of photos in 1999 and 2001, Charlie created several photographs that presented vignettes of what campus life, social scenes, and relationships might be like between humans and E.T.s.
Charlie’s photos were exceptionally interesting because they involved hiring large casts of actors, studio lighting, directors, and visual effects teams.
Learn more about Charlie White in Wired Magazine’s article The Wizard of Id. For detailed biographic information, read Wikipedia’s Charlie White (artist) page.
