Surreal Photography: Ideas, Images, and How to Take These Pictures

Surreal photography is pushing the boundaries of what is achievable with a photograph.

Photo surrealism is an intellectual and artistic movement that started in the early 1920s in France and is famously known for its astonishing writings, surreal images and artworks.

The purpose of surreal photography was to destroy the borders between reality and dream and to release the passion.

Various experienced photographers like Man Ray, Lee Miller, and Raoul Ubac were drawn to surrealist photography because of its commitment to achieving artistic freedom.

Surreal photos present pictures that are unlikely to be found in the real world and surrealist photographers produce photographs which have a special impact.

Surreal pictures usually represent overlapping photographs, abstract forms or blasts of light that trick the viewer’s senses.

The viewer’s brain perceives that the things they are observing are quite impossible in reality, yet at the same moment their eyes are viewing a remarkably realistic-looking photo. Surreal picture manipulation is really a challenge.

It demands a special sort of creativity to produce such an impact. It is not all about the fancy picture editing software programs or the camera, just many techniques taken by photographers that deliver the surreal images their charm.

Surreal Photography Starter Guide

In order to take surreal photographs, you will need to have an idea. So, when some idea comes to your mind, it will be good if you sketch it out.

This should be the case with everything that you do, not only for taking surrealist pictures.

So, firstly you need to get some pencils and sketch the surrealist ideas which begin to emerge.

Next, plan the photos you will need to take to shape your surrealism ideas. TTake the lighting into consideration. You should plan that well if you want your surrealist photos to turn out great.

Even if you will be working in Adobe Photoshop using a lot of manipulating, cutting and pasting, twisting and many other techniques on the surrealist picture, your surrealist photographs should be great to start with.

Make your Photoshop work much simpler by capturing a great image with your camera. This will save you time as you will have a lot to do in order to fine-tune your surreal image.

When you are creating a surreal photo it is always a good idea to start with the background first and then work on the final details later.

Attach your surrealist images one at a time in Photoshop as to see if the light flattens. Color temperature plays a huge role, so try to make it consistent so the photo looks more natural.

Also, shooting raw truly pays off here since you will have total control of the picture, you may manually adjust shadows and highlights, set the white balance and much more. You can use shadow to create a dark surreal landscape or add highlights for a lighter setting.

Methods of Surreal Digital Photography

Cliché Verre

This method is normally used in drawings, etchings, paintings and also photography.

Cliché verre was firstly practiced in the 19th century by French artists and includes transporting the resulting picture to a light delicate paper and drawing on a transparent surface.

This method is further known as glass negative in photo surrealism because it involves utilizing negatives that are glazed with a glass plate.

Photomontage

As one of the most usual methods utilized in surrealist photography, photomontages incorporates joining 2 or more images together and achieve to look like they are one single photo.

The photos a generally integrated by utilizing digital editing software. Generally, surreal photographers are capturing pictures of some interesting backgrounds and other picture of the main subject. After that, they join the 2 images easily and make them seem like one.

Multiple Exposures

This method can be made by using an analog camera and capturing a photo without moving the negative.

By doing this, you will place two separate photos onto each other, forming an undetermined mix of each. This will form a surreal effect. Since each photo is formed, you will be capable of picking out details from every photograph in the complete surrealist photograph.

Typography

This is a surrealism photography method where 3 distinctive images are taken from one roll of film. This triple-exposed photograph makes it impossible to simply pick out one subject from one photograph, creating a surrealist picture.

Long Shutter Speeds

Long shutters speeds are another modern surrealism photography method if you want to create surreal photos by playing with the speed of your camera.

Shutter speeds normally last shorter than a second. A remarkably quick shutter speed has the capacity to “freeze” a moving subject.

For instance, a running individual can be captured with both of the legs in the air. Slower shutter speeds may describe movement in a photo of a moving subject. It can also blur motion, which will result in a surreal picture.

Solarisation

Solarisation, also recognized as the Sabattier effect, is a method of photography surrealism in which the picture is somewhat or entirely changed in tone.

This is a Man Ray surrealism technique. A partially-developed film is visible to light whilst it is being formed. Normally, the partially-developed film is presented by switching on the light in the dark room for a short moment.

The surreal photos developed by the Sabattier effect results in the withdrawal of highlights and shadows, which creates a great level of contrast.

Capturing during the “magic hours”

The magic hours, also known as the golden hours, is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset. This is the time when the sun has taken the lowest angle up in the sky.

During the magic hours, the rays of the sun are covering everything in warm and attractive colors.

Picutestaken at this time without flash usually turn out to be surreal pictures.

The twilight hours are also known as the blue hours and are a great chance to take surrealist photos. This is the time after sunset and before sunrise. A surrealist photographer can use this time to create overwhelming scenes.

Juxtaposition

The juxtaposition is utilized in surrealist photographs, painting, sculpture, and writing. One of the intentions of surrealism is to increase our mental limits by juxtaposing entirely distinct objects in surreal pics.

For example, in surrealist images, a portrait of a modern woman could be captured with a dead fish in her legs or a photograph could represent an arena with a baby in a plain white dress in the center. Here are some surrealistic photography examples.

Blurring

To produce a surreal environment for your videos and photos, the subject needs to be in focus, and then you can utilize blurring effects in your post production and camera.

Decreasing the opening of the camera will lessen the deepness of the field in the image, and it becomes simpler to blur objects that are moving through the time you take the photo by reducing the screen speed. You can edit the picture and copy the image layer in Photoshop to enhance your surrealism image.

Shutter speed

Shutter speeds can help you produce cool surreal art.

Quick shutter speed has the capacity to stop a moving subject and the slower shutter speeds can describe movement in a picture of a moving subject.

Shutter speeds are lasting shorter than a second. It can likewise blur movement, which can produce dream surrealism pictures.

Float your subject

This is an extraordinary way to produce images of surrealism. Utilize stool or chair so that it becomes simple to eliminate in Photoshop later to keep your subject up as if the subject is in the air. Nevertheless, to perform this effect, you need to keep your camera in a manual mode and also turn off the auto-focus.

You also need to use a tripod as to maintain the position of all in two pictures really close. One picture will possess the floating subject on a prop, and the other must be quite the same image, just without your subject or prop in the frame.

In Photoshop, open both the pictures, with the background picture as your bottom layer and the floating picture on top. Lastly, take the brush tool and zoom in. Eliminate the prop from the top layer to finish levitating the individual or object in the picture. The result will be some amazing photography ideas.

Tips and Tricks for Beginner Surrealist Photographers

Improve Your Idea

Look for a surreal pic on Flickr, DeviantArt, and Tumblr, and you will notice a huge number of surreal ideas available.

Many pictures are clearly created through, and are, storytellers. Do you have a story that you would like to tell? How can you attract diverse parts together or create surrealist pics to tell your story?

What sort of a picture can you presume that you haven’t noticed in a picture yet?

These are few questions that you can question yourself as you are creating original ideas for surrealism project concepts and stories.

Examine Photoshop

You need to have rather good skills in Photoshop or a related picture editing app to produce a realistic looking surrealist image.

A perfect surrealist photograph seems so real that it gives the viewer the chance to think if that moment captured really happened.

With all kinds of photography, practice makes excellent, so learning as you go along likewise an excellent way to learn surreal photography techniques.

You can always check out the Craftsy’s excellent Photoshop tutorials for newcomers. You can likewise enjoy our new post on the fundamentals of using Photoshop.

Use Inventive Commons

You can create some excellent landscape surrealism photography by utilizing simple imagery techniques and camera equipment.

Nevertheless, in case that you don’t have the means or time to bring out your idea with your own images, some experts believe in sharing their images for the greater good of photography and art. give up their images through an inventive commons license.

You can see some of those pictures on DeviantArt or Flickr. The original experts typically permit usage of their images and derivative works for non-commercial motives without a charge. Naturally, be certain that you have the approval of the principal photographer if you want to use pictures that are not yours.

Easy Techniques

If you are looking to start with easy surrealism, you may attach just a bit of the surreal to your pictures with easy techniques. For instance, utilizing the HDR mode on or HDR software can drive your pictures into a surreal empire. HDR function very well for building photography or landscapes.

Managing the color temperature of a raw picture can turn an ordinary picture into a surreal picture—if you go for abnormally warm or cool it can totally change the feel and the look of the image.

You can likewise selectively adjust the color of some parts of the image to make them more realistic. For instance, you can make the water turn red or the sky to look green. This improves the mood of the image and makes it seem otherworldly.

You can additionally increase one point of a picture very quickly to make it surreal. Beauty retouches do this with control: changing curves and eyes, proportions of legs, and changing texture and skin color. You can actually overdo this sort of improvement to create surrealist portrait photography.

Texts

It’s really fascinating to observe how distinct objects (such as toys, flowers, tools, ink stains, pens, or anything) can change into letters.

And yet more exciting is when the substance of letters is similar to the content of the writing.

For instance, you can create the words “Happy Birthday” from candles and cakes.

There are two steps to do writing: The first step is to utilize objects to produce letters directly. The second step is to put objects throughout the empty place in the form of letters. The outcomes will be distinctive, surrealist pictures. Yet you can have so much fun making them.

Paper Shapes

Surrealist pictures don’t always have to be realistic.

In case that you want a dragon, you do not certainly require building a large fire-breathing dragon, you can simply cut it out and make it out of paper.

You can create silhouettes or simplistic models of trees, mountains, and small houses.

Smoke

Smoke is best if you want to create an enigmatic and mysterious atmosphere.

Try to make the smoke the hero of your image’s story — mystical, cryptic, creepy — and it will assist you well.

To make smoke, I normally practice using aroma sticks.

They are much affordable than fog machine, more convenient than dry ice and safer than an open flame. You really have to be precautions with ashes and also shoot in a ventilated room. Smoke is a great way to work with surrealism in photography.

Soap Bubbles

They are indeed better to use indoor because there is no wind and you may place all the bubbles directly where they need to be.

Bubbles are one of the best surrealism photography ideas.

You can also add bubbles to surrealism portrait photography: design jewelry from bubbles for your model or make the model to look over bubble glasses. So, use these portrait photography ideas for projects in the future.

Make it Exceptional

Use all other tools that you have to make the picture more interesting and compelling.

As with all the images, surreal portraiture needs to make a statement, it needs to have a story and it must be attractive enough to grab the viewer’s notice among the plenty of selfies and different snapshots that are on all devices possible at this moment. Surrealism photos stand out against the crowd.

Audience’s Opinion

Expect that comments like “I will totally buy it dude!” will appear and go, yet if the story and the message that the picture presents is great, it will make those observations out-of-date.

Additionally, you need to be prepared for your picture to be denied by the majority because not everyone likes surreal effects. Some like it, some don’t. It all depends on the audience you have. Don’t let this worry you. Top surrealist artists have faced criticism for their work.

Ending thoughts on surreal photography

Surrealism is one of the most fierce and most visually intriguing social movements ever.

There’s been an increasing trend in surreal, photographs, dreamy atmospheres in a film, and similar art, and there are numerous methods to be developed and practiced in a surreal artist’s arsenal. Practicing these methods will result in an excellent surreal photographer.

Amazing Examples Of Surreal Photography

The first impression you get when you see surreal photography is “what the…” and then, of course, you observe the brilliant idea that’s behind it, the wonderful way of transforming the surrealism photographer’s imagination into reality.

Knowing that these photographers have an incredible imagination, you can probably presume the result of their work. Surreal artists are brilliant at least. Enjoy!

FAQ about surreal photography

How did surreal photography become a trend?

Well, you see, surreal photography as an art form really took off in the early 20th century. It was closely tied to the Surrealist art movement, which was all about exploring the subconscious mind and creating dream-like imagery. As photography technology advanced and digital manipulation became more accessible, it was only natural that photographers started experimenting with surreal themes too.

What techniques do photographers use to create surreal images?

There are several techniques that photographers use to create these mind-bending images. Some of the most popular methods include using long exposure, photo manipulation with software like Photoshop, and even combining multiple photos. It’s also common to use props, lighting, and creative composition to achieve the desired surreal effect.

Can you name some famous surreal photographers?

Absolutely! Some of the most well-known surreal photographers include Salvador Dalí, Man Ray, Jerry Uelsmann, and Erik Johansson. These artists have pushed the boundaries of photography and created some truly unforgettable images.

What makes a good surreal photo?

A good surreal photo should be visually striking and challenge the viewer’s perception of reality. The best examples often feature unexpected juxtapositions, dream-like scenes, or elements that seem out of place. The key is to create something that truly stands out and leaves a lasting impression.

How can I get started with surreal photography?

To get started with surreal photography, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of photography basics, like exposure, composition, and lighting. From there, you can start experimenting with different techniques and tools to create surreal effects. Don’t be afraid to push your creative boundaries and explore new ideas!

Are there any ethical concerns with surreal photography?

Some people do raise ethical concerns with surreal photography, particularly when it comes to photo manipulation. It’s important to be honest about your process and make it clear when an image has been altered. That being said, surreal photography is an art form, and creative expression should be encouraged.

How has social media impacted surreal photography?

Social media has played a significant role in the popularization of surreal photography. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have made it easier for photographers to share their work and gain exposure. This has led to a surge in interest in the genre and inspired countless artists to explore surreal themes in their own photography.

Can surreal photography be a viable career?

While it can be challenging to make a full-time living solely as a surreal photographer, many artists find success by combining their surreal work with other photography genres. This can include wedding, portrait, or commercial photography, where they can incorporate their unique style and vision.

What is the role of storytelling in surreal photography?

Storytelling plays a crucial role in surreal photography. The most powerful images often tell a story or evoke a specific emotion, allowing the viewer to connect with the piece on a deeper level. As a surreal photographer, it’s essential to think about the narrative you’re trying to convey and how you can use visual elements to bring that story to life.

How do I find inspiration for my surreal photography?

Finding inspiration for your surreal photography can come from a variety of sources. Some photographers draw from their dreams, while others find inspiration in literature, movies, or even their own experiences. It’s essential to keep an open mind and be receptive to new ideas, as this will help you develop your own unique style and vision.

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan Sandu, a seasoned designer with 15 years of diverse experience, has been designing websites since 2008.

Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.

His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.