Fine Art Landscape Photography - B&W Long Exposure

Keith Ellul

Keith Ellul's photography is a canvas for his distinctive artistic vision. He meticulously plans his shots, yet the true magic happens in the digital darkroom during the editing process. His preference leans toward images that exude a gentle, dreamlike quality, transporting viewers to a world that seems to exist in parallel to reality. Within this realm, both the photographer and the observer embark on a shared journey of escape and introspection (Ellul, 2017).

(Boosting the contrast in the main subject, and using the waves to create depth in long exposure)

Figure 1: (Ellul, 2021)

Ellul expertly employs empty spaces within his photographs as abstract elements, prompting viewers to engage in a delightful scavenger hunt for subtle details. Through the art of long exposure, he infuses his images with an enduring, timeless quality, as though they momentarily suspend the rush of time, evoking a sense of the surreal. When he adds the classic charm of black and white tones, his work takes on a mesmerizing uniqueness (Ellul, 2017).

(The clouds lead the eyes of the viewer and the main subject is bright compared to the rest which makes it a stronger image)

Figure 2: (Ellul, 2021)

In essence, Keith Ellul's fine art photography serves as a captivating conduit for his personal artistic expression. It's a means through which he channels his creativity to craft evocative atmospheres and emotions in each image, inviting viewers into his enchanting visual world (Ellul, 2017).

Teo Kefalopoulos

The showcased artworks represent the culmination of an ongoing exploration into the transformation of subject matter into artistic expressions. When an environment or subject is identified as a potential frame, an alternative perspective takes shape. The artist's objective extends beyond the mere documentation of reality; it is the creation of a distinct presentation that liberates the subject from its conventional temporal confines. This creative process strives to construct a more alluring reality, infusing an artistic essence into the mundane and overlooked aspects of life (Kefalopoulos, N.D.).

The artist's focus centers on minimalism, solitude, and an introspective atmosphere. These effects are meticulously achieved through the employment of specific capture techniques and post-processing tailored to the particular ambiance. The artist adheres to a style of editing that maintains a strong connection to the original scene, avoiding excessive photo manipulation, deceptive visual enhancements, or compositing. This approach ensures that the finalized works retain their authentic essence and an inherent connection to the source subject, preserving their intrinsic value and genuine character (Kefalopoulos, N.D.).

(The blacks of the fishing nets are dark which leads the eyes of the viewer since they pop out from the background which is grey) Figure 3: (Kefalopoulos, 2020)

(The blurred boats create a sense of movement and make the image more dreamy)

Figure 4: (Kefalopoulos, 2020)

I admire his work for its skillful use of elements like contrast, black and white tones, seamlessly composed horizon lines, depth that draws viewers in, creating an immersive experience, a dreamy quality, a clear and compelling main subject, and a masterful utilization of shades of grey and black.

References

The Maltese Gallery - Keith Ellul - Photographer (2017). YouTube. 5 January. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXQwj6XT8U8 (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

The Maltese Gallery - Keith Ellul - Photographer (2017). YouTube. 5 January. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXQwj6XT8U8 (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

The Maltese Gallery - Keith Ellul - Photographer (2017). YouTube. 5 January. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXQwj6XT8U8 (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Figure References

Figure 1: Ellul, K. (2021) Gallery - black & white, Keith Ellul Fine Art Photography, Malta. Available at: https://www.keithellul.com/galleryblacknwhite (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Figure 2: Ellul, K. (2021) Gallery - black & white, Keith Ellul Fine Art Photography, Malta. Available at: https://www.keithellul.com/galleryblacknwhite (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Figure 3: Kefalopoulos, T. (no date) About Teo Kefalopoulos, monochromia. Available at: https://www.teokefalopoulos.com/about (Accessed: 13 October 2023).

Figure 4: Kefalopoulos, T. (no date) About Teo Kefalopoulos, monochromia. Available at: https://www.teokefalopoulos.com/about (Accessed: 13 October 2023).