Unleashing Creativity Through Deadpan Photography: The Essential Elements

Deadpan photography is a unique and thought-provoking style that challenges conventional notions of what makes a compelling image. By stripping away emotion and focusing on simple, straightforward compositions, deadpan photography encourages viewers to see the world in a new light.

Coming to you from Peter Forsgård, this insightful video explores the key characteristics of deadpan photography and why it is such a fascinating approach for photographers. Forsgård discusses the essential elements of deadpan photography, including simple compositions, flat lighting, neutral color palettes, and low contrast. By embracing these techniques, photographers can create images that are strikingly different from the norm, forcing viewers to consider the subject matter in a more objective and detached manner.

Forsgård also highlights the work of several famous photographers who have embraced the deadpan style, such as Alex Soth, Andreas Gursky, and the couple Bernd and Hilla Becher. By studying the work of these influential artists, photographers can gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively use deadpan techniques in their own work. Additionally, Forsgård emphasizes the importance of consistency when creating a series of deadpan images, as this helps to establish a cohesive visual language and further reinforces the detached, unemotional nature of the style. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Forsgård.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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2 Comments

I'm watching this on April 1 and wondering if I'm being fooled! It's most worrying because my photography is now deadpan and I don't know if I like it. Nevertheless, very interesting photos and discussions.

I like the idea of deadpan photography -- photographing the mundane. It reminds very much of the photography of William Eggleston.