Obscura / Manifest
A documentary photo project about (non)loneliness
Disturbance
Most of my friends are socially isolated. Many admit to the severity of the situation with emotional swings, anxiety, the need for silence/company, or hugs. Others are just looking for someone to talk to at 2 a.m. Loneliness is possible in crowds and in isolation with loved ones. Live broadcasts are constant and screen time is accumulating. People can't take it anymore and often, the internet only makes it worse.
For city dwellers in isolation, there is a single, non-virtual way to remember that you are not alone. With my windows constantly open, I stare out at the courtyard and breathe the fresh thunderous air.
Only this view is empty, not crowded, and slowly suggests:
Are you looking into the void outside the window or is the void looking at you?
Are you looking into the void outside the window or is the void looking at you?
are you looking outside the window or the outside is looking at you?
There are many of us looking at the world through a window.
And each window has its own view.
For me, this is a deserted crossroads; for a friend, the forest from a summer cottage; for an artist, clouds above an empty city.
And each window has its own view.
For me, this is a deserted crossroads; for a friend, the forest from a summer cottage; for an artist, clouds above an empty city.
This project is a series of (self)portraits, each against an interior background, with a unique history and view from the window. Through the use of a pinhole camera, we will invert these windows and project a view onto the space inside.
We will also give an opportunity to confess.
To the view from the window, the environment, the camera and yourself: denial, fear, perseverance, determination, joy or sadness. We are not alone.
To the view from the window, the environment, the camera and yourself: denial, fear, perseverance, determination, joy or sadness. We are not alone.
Realization
I most hope to capture the individuality of the subject, space and context.
You can be the author.
You can be the author.
Who can participate?
Personalities! Team up for a family photo or take a unique self portrait.
Communities and brands: Share your stories.
Communities and brands: Share your stories.
Who would I like to see in the project?
Personalities, communities and any collaborations. (Self)portrait is yours.
To yacht captains in isolation, sports trainers from afar, artists in workshops, private coffee house owners, directors, artists, musicians, local brands and a copywriter who is stuck home remodeling, I hope to get a sincere imprint of the personalities and communities that make up our society.
To yacht captains in isolation, sports trainers from afar, artists in workshops, private coffee house owners, directors, artists, musicians, local brands and a copywriter who is stuck home remodeling, I hope to get a sincere imprint of the personalities and communities that make up our society.
How and what to shoot?
Ideally (but not necessary), on a modern camera with a fast lens and a tripod.
If you don't have a tripod, use books or a windowsill. Instead of expensive professional equipment, use your old DSLR with any lens.
In dark settings, you will need to use a long shutter speed. Place the camera steadily and freeze for about 30 seconds.
Don't have a camera? Take it with your phone! We achieved great results using the iPhone 11's night mode.
If you don't know how to shoot, don't be scared! I will help with the technical part.
If you don't have a tripod, use books or a windowsill. Instead of expensive professional equipment, use your old DSLR with any lens.
In dark settings, you will need to use a long shutter speed. Place the camera steadily and freeze for about 30 seconds.
Don't have a camera? Take it with your phone! We achieved great results using the iPhone 11's night mode.
If you don't know how to shoot, don't be scared! I will help with the technical part.
How to seal windows
You'll need to black out the windows and all light sources in your room. This can be done with dense black garbage bags, tape and cardboard.
Then poke a 1cm hole in the middle of the window covering.
Then poke a 1cm hole in the middle of the window covering.
Technical task
You * (habitat + window view) = character
The room, which will turn into a pinhole camera, should have a window with a view that is characteristic of your habitat. For some, these are trees, for some, an empty avenue. I'm interested in your interior and your view from the window. Even if it's a fence and a corner of the house with a landfill.
The projection will be better visible on the bright interior. But if you have a desktop, a mess, books, a computer, this is also a character. The empty, minimalist room with wall and grat sunset is also a character. The close kitchen with a view of the neighboring house is also a character.
You * (habitat + window view) = character.
The projection will be better visible on the bright interior. But if you have a desktop, a mess, books, a computer, this is also a character. The empty, minimalist room with wall and grat sunset is also a character. The close kitchen with a view of the neighboring house is also a character.
You * (habitat + window view) = character.
For everyone
Photos
Send:
- a few pictures of your place
- several portraits / self-portraits / family self-portraits in this space. Large / medium / general plans, as you come up with.
I will also ask you to attach a little description to the photographs: who you are, what you do and, if appropriate, the feelings of the last days.
- a few pictures of your place
- several portraits / self-portraits / family self-portraits in this space. Large / medium / general plans, as you come up with.
I will also ask you to attach a little description to the photographs: who you are, what you do and, if appropriate, the feelings of the last days.
For photo-freaks
Photo+Video
Send also:
- GIF-Portrait. Gif-timelapse.
- GIF- floating interior space: clouds on the floor, cars and people on the ceiling. Find an interesting combination of projection and interior and transfer them. Yes, everything that comes to mind and will be expressive!
- GIF-Portrait. Gif-timelapse.
- GIF- floating interior space: clouds on the floor, cars and people on the ceiling. Find an interesting combination of projection and interior and transfer them. Yes, everything that comes to mind and will be expressive!
Instructions
If you did'nt get it
0. Select the room in which you will rent. A beautiful view from the window or dull - this is about reality and about your mood.
1. Fully seal the door slots, turn off all light sources, so that the room is completely dark. The easiest way is to seal the windows with garbage bags in several layers.
2. Make a round hole 0.5-1 cm in the middle of the sealed window.
3. Place the camera still for 20-30 seconds of exposure.
A mobile phone will require an application such as slow shutter or equivalent.
4. Turn off the light, wait until your eyes get used to - you can see the outlines of clouds, buildings, cars, trees and everything that you see from the window on the walls, floor and ceiling.
And the camera in 20-30 seconds will gain enough light to make the picture bright.
5. Experiment! Take some photos: yourself and loved ones.
1. Fully seal the door slots, turn off all light sources, so that the room is completely dark. The easiest way is to seal the windows with garbage bags in several layers.
2. Make a round hole 0.5-1 cm in the middle of the sealed window.
3. Place the camera still for 20-30 seconds of exposure.
A mobile phone will require an application such as slow shutter or equivalent.
4. Turn off the light, wait until your eyes get used to - you can see the outlines of clouds, buildings, cars, trees and everything that you see from the window on the walls, floor and ceiling.
And the camera in 20-30 seconds will gain enough light to make the picture bright.
5. Experiment! Take some photos: yourself and loved ones.
Nikolai Romankov
Director of Photography, based in Moscow
After my tests, there will be a detailed description of the entire technical part, so that the lay person understands how to achieve what was planned. And for professionals - this is a great way to show themselves.
Join!
obscura-manifest@yandex.ru
+79165696981
Join!
obscura-manifest@yandex.ru
+79165696981
All images are copyrighted by their authors. The site uses images of Marja Pirila
