The Project "Looooong Shots"
This project is a full, long term objective that I've set some years ago. It results from combining knowledge and vision, in several fields - in seeing and abstracting, then photographing, post-processing, the printing, and even in showing it on the web. Along all of these steps I had, and still have, technical challenges to overcome.
The central aim for me is grasping the scale of things in a photograph, abstracting and mentally embracing the "scapes", them being small or large, open or confined, relative to us in our humane scale. And then, it is also transmitting such scale and scapes to you, for you to travel.
"Be ready for some meters of print and detail!"
This project is a full, long term objective that I've set some years ago. It results from combining knowledge and vision, in several fields - in seeing and abstracting, then photographing, post-processing, the printing, and even in showing it on the web. Along all of these steps I had, and still have, technical challenges to overcome.
The central aim for me is grasping the scale of things in a photograph, abstracting and mentally embracing the "scapes", them being small or large, open or confined, relative to us in our humane scale. And then, it is also transmitting such scale and scapes to you, for you to travel.
"Be ready for some meters of print and detail!"
Technique
Though some of the methods used are commonly applied in panoramic photography and virtual-reality spherical photography, "Looooong Shots" goes beyond. In fact, it goes until the print, hopefully on a wall of yours.
I have used and followed some known techniques and rules, in those fields. But because the aim is the print, not just the web, I have also broken several of those rules and applied other techniques (some used in other art forms, such as painting).
For example, I particularly like the final results from playing with the optical depth-of-field on a f/1.8 50mm lens, focusing on what is usually considered less obvious, and even making use of the lower glass quality at f/1.8. Distorting lines and curves, or changing the relative scale of objects are also not new in Art, knowing that our mind and eyes are trained to straighten these up, while fabricating interesting emotions. This also is Photography.
Though some of the methods used are commonly applied in panoramic photography and virtual-reality spherical photography, "Looooong Shots" goes beyond. In fact, it goes until the print, hopefully on a wall of yours.
I have used and followed some known techniques and rules, in those fields. But because the aim is the print, not just the web, I have also broken several of those rules and applied other techniques (some used in other art forms, such as painting).
For example, I particularly like the final results from playing with the optical depth-of-field on a f/1.8 50mm lens, focusing on what is usually considered less obvious, and even making use of the lower glass quality at f/1.8. Distorting lines and curves, or changing the relative scale of objects are also not new in Art, knowing that our mind and eyes are trained to straighten these up, while fabricating interesting emotions. This also is Photography.
The Issue
It may be horizontal, vertical or square. It is not the final shape of the photograph, but its detail and final printable size, at exceptional quality.
Grasping a certains reality means feeling being transported somewhere else, being there. Even if is just a rope with rain-drops on it. Getting close to something, getting in, even if it is an enourmous tree. Moving along it, even if you are seated, in front of your screen or sitting on your sofa.
On the other hand, "Looooong Shots" also twists things around, bringing things to you,...even an enormous tree to your living room!
It may be horizontal, vertical or square. It is not the final shape of the photograph, but its detail and final printable size, at exceptional quality.
Grasping a certains reality means feeling being transported somewhere else, being there. Even if is just a rope with rain-drops on it. Getting close to something, getting in, even if it is an enourmous tree. Moving along it, even if you are seated, in front of your screen or sitting on your sofa.
On the other hand, "Looooong Shots" also twists things around, bringing things to you,...even an enormous tree to your living room!
It's the Print!
The means to transmit another reality, scale, detail and beauty, is undoubtedly met in the final print. On the web, I also want to convey this, knowing that it will only be partially accomplished. Please also understand that the quality shown on the web only approximates that of the print. This is why, on the web, I am resorting to great and powerful means to give you an idea of the detail...also taking you there.
"Be ready for some meters of print and detail!"
The means to transmit another reality, scale, detail and beauty, is undoubtedly met in the final print. On the web, I also want to convey this, knowing that it will only be partially accomplished. Please also understand that the quality shown on the web only approximates that of the print. This is why, on the web, I am resorting to great and powerful means to give you an idea of the detail...also taking you there.
"Be ready for some meters of print and detail!"
Themes
The themes within "Looooong Shots" are very varied, and some of them have build-up into their own other satellite projects. At the moment, I've decided to have two major themes: Open Vistas and Close Vistas. Others will come soon. Please be patient. This is a "looooong shot" project, definitely not static in time and execution!
The themes within "Looooong Shots" are very varied, and some of them have build-up into their own other satellite projects. At the moment, I've decided to have two major themes: Open Vistas and Close Vistas. Others will come soon. Please be patient. This is a "looooong shot" project, definitely not static in time and execution!
© All theme photographs, the "Looooong shots" idea, naming and logo are creations of João M. Gil. All Rights Reserved, 2011
© Todas as fotografias do tema, a ideia "Looooong shots", a designação e o logo "Looooong shots" são criações de João M. Gil. Todos os direitos reservados, 2011
© Todas as fotografias do tema, a ideia "Looooong shots", a designação e o logo "Looooong shots" são criações de João M. Gil. Todos os direitos reservados, 2011
