Conceptual
Creating Unique Abstract
Welcome to this week's edition of The Carty Method Magazine!
This time, we challenged photographers to create a Conceptual Image that reflects their unique niche and artistic voice.
So, what exactly is Conceptual Photography?
It's a powerful style that transforms ideas and concepts into visual masterpieces.
Rooted in conceptual art, this technique goes beyond what meets the eye, capturing emotions, messages, and stories through the lens.
Are you ready to be inspired by the exceptional creativity of this week's Photo of the Week winners?
Let’s jump right in and explore their stunning conceptual photography!
Assignment Brief
CARTY gives a tight brief at the end of his photo review shows which tells us shooters what we have to shoot exactly for the following weeks review.
Here is this assignment exactly how he shares it.
“This weeks Assignment: Create a Conceptual Image”
"Design a conceptual image that conveys an abstract idea or message.
Portrait shooters can use a person to embody a theme or emotion,
Places shooters can present an imaginative take on a location,
Things shooters can create a symbolic or avant-garde interpretation of a product
This is a Vertical Assignment."
Marco Novaes
What inspired you to create this particular conceptual image, and how did you decide on the theme or message you wanted to convey?
Believe it or not, this image comes from a session inspired by an unusual setting—an old freight elevator in downtown Toronto.
The central theme of the session was liberation from societal molds, and it was a collaborative creation between me and the model, who is also a visual artist.
Can you walk us through the concept behind your photo? What story or abstract idea were you aiming to communicate?
We were both born and raised in the world's largest Catholic country.
In many ways, we share a 'queer' sense of not quite fitting into the societal norms imposed by our environment.
For different reasons, these images symbolize our journey of breaking free from that pressure.
What challenges did you face while executing your vision for this assignment, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was precisely what inspired the desire to hold the session in the first place: the space.
The elevator was small with very low ceilings, and the external area was also quite restricted.
Designing the lighting and capturing the images presented a natural challenge, but I believe we managed to overcome it successfully.
Did you discover or learn something new during the process of creating this image? If so, what was the most valuable lesson?
In addition to the physical challenge of working in this space, two other lessons left a lasting impression on me.
The first was working collaboratively with the model, who was completely new to sessions like this.
The second was the importance of continuous experimentation.
Altogether, we captured nearly 500 images.
What was the most rewarding part of working on this assignment, and how did it contribute to your growth as a photographer?
I moved to Canada just before the pandemic began.
For the past four years, I’ve been working a 9-to-5 job to 'survive,' leaving behind over two decades of creative work as a photographer and Art Director.
This image represents my deliverance as an artist—it’s the return of my imagination, taking flight once again.
If you had the chance to refine or recreate this image, would you make any changes? Why or why not?
Of course, I will try to make it better!
What is the purpose of our journey in life if not to improve ourselves day by day?
Carty gave me valuable advice about light and framing, which I definitely believe will elevate this image to a higher level.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: marconovaes.ca
Website: marco.novaes.ca
Mats Karlsson
What inspired you to create this particular conceptual image, and how did you decide on the theme or message you wanted to convey?
This photo came from playing around and trying some new ideas.
The conceptual assignment made me try strobe lighting with the flash, but really just trying new techniques and ideas.
Can you walk us through the concept behind your photo? What story or abstract idea were you aiming to communicate?
I wanted to freeze motion and capture different poses of the subject inspired by other conceptual photography.
I like simplicity and minimalism, so this motion freezing was the concept.
What challenges did you face while executing your vision for this assignment, and how did you overcome them?
I tried a few ideas within the concept and this is kind of new to me, so there were a few challenges.
Flash settings, a too small room to have enough room and other things.
Key to get it right is to try and try again, especially when trying out new techniques.
Did you discover or learn something new during the process of creating this image? If so, what was the most valuable lesson?
I learned a bit more about flash settings, to decide on where to start and stop the motion when using strobe light, how many flashes to set off at what frequency and syncing that with camera settings and exposure.
What was the most rewarding part of working on this assignment, and how did it contribute to your growth as a photographer?
To develop as photographer by learning a new technique is rewarding.
I love learning more ways to use light to create different kinds of photographs than the ones I usually make.
If you had the chance to refine or recreate this image, would you make any changes? Why or why not?
Yes, I would have made the background invisible.
I would also try more flash settings than the ones I tried this time to create other effects.
Also try other positions and movement.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: matskarlssonphotography
Website: matskarlssonphotography.com
Substack: matskarlssonphotography
Romeo Fowler
What inspired you to create this particular conceptual image, and how did you decide on the theme or message you wanted to convey?
I wanted to do something for Emily she one Asheville NC Helene survivor.
This phot was about up encouragement, about restoration, moving forward, being thankful and full of hope for a better future!
Can you walk us through the concept behind your photo? What story or abstract idea were you aiming to communicate?
This was a double exposure execution! over looking the mountains of Asheville NC.
What challenges did you face while executing your vision for this assignment, and how did you overcome them?
No challenges at all!
Did you discover or learn something new during the process of creating this image? If so, what was the most valuable lesson?
Yeah this was my first attempt at this kind of photography and I was was surprised at how well it turned out, I plant to keep making these kind of photography.
What was the most rewarding part of working on this assignment, and how did it contribute to your growth as a photographer?
Getting to know Emily, and getting to see here reaction when I share the results with her.
If you had the chance to refine or recreate this image, would you make any changes? Why or why not?
No not at all I was very pleased with the results.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: romeofowler
Taylor Valentine
What inspired you to create this particular conceptual image, and how did you decide on the theme or message you wanted to convey?
I am always on the hunt for new(ish) product to shoot.
I had recently been gifted these snowboard boots by Vans Snow, via the youth snowboard group that I shoot for.
I tried to shoot something that could go into an actual advertisement.
Can you walk us through the concept behind your photo? What story or abstract idea were you aiming to communicate?
As a product shooter, I chose to riff on the manufacturer's slogan "Off the Wall". Being snowboard boots, I had to add in some actual snow as well.
What challenges did you face while executing your vision for this assignment, and how did you overcome them?
It's not quite full on winter here where I live just yet.
I had to shovel up some of the remaining patches of snow lingering in the back yard from a recent dusting and stash it in a cooler.
Did you discover or learn something new during the process of creating this image? If so, what was the most valuable lesson?
This is my first time shooting footwear.
I had to go through some trial and error to get just the correct angle.
What was the most rewarding part of working on this assignment, and how did it contribute to your growth as a photographer?
Shooting subject matter that I have personal connection to always brings me joy.
This shoot has motivated me to keep getting out and shooting in all weather, even as things start getting cold and wet.
If you had the chance to refine or recreate this image, would you make any changes? Why or why not?
I think I'd like to try experimenting more creative was to pose the product.
What I did was simple and effective, but I'll definitely push further with subsequent concepts.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: taylortayphoo
Website: Taylorlvalentine.com
Best In Show
Rafael Ortiz
What inspired you to create this particular conceptual image, and how did you decide on the theme or message you wanted to convey?
While screwing in a new lightbulb into a lamp (which the lamp was cheaply made), I was afraid that the lightbulb would blow while screwing it in even though it was in the off position.
I then recall years ago seeing a photo of a light bulb that had sparks emitting from it.
Can you walk us through the concept behind your photo? What story or abstract idea were you aiming to communicate?
I wanted to create an image that was different and normally never seen before.
A light bulb that was not supplied with power but looked like it was overflowing with power was definitely the right choice.
What challenges did you face while executing your vision for this assignment, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was keeping the bulb and sparkler standing upright and aligned by using blue fun-tak.
Did you discover or learn something new during the process of creating this image? If so, what was the most valuable lesson?
I learned that the longer the shutter is open, the more sparks I would capture.
I also learned that if the sparks are not done burning before they land, the black plexi glass will have permanent marks on it.
I also learned that having the camera on a tripod and a remote shutter definitely made the picture sharp.
What was the most rewarding part of working on this assignment, and how did it contribute to your growth as a photographer?
Most rewarding part of working on this assignment is that I have this as my phone lock screen.
People ask where I downloaded it and I get to tell them that I made it.
Making this picture made me create another variation of a lit lightbulb that I plan to submit in the future.
If you had the chance to refine or recreate this image, would you make any changes? Why or why not?
I would not refine it.
While creating the photo, I initially used a faster shutter which did not produce as many sparks. On my second take, the slower shutter produced more sparks.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: rafaelortizphotography
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Carty is a Pro Photographer, Director, and Educator based in Toronto, CA.
His goal is to educate and connect a global network of visual creators.
👉🏾 Mindset Shifts and Immersive Pro Education on YouTube 👈🏾
Learn more about him and see his work at 👉🏾 SteveCarty.com
Join his photographer’s community 👉🏾 TheCartyMethod.com/community
Work with Him 👉🏾 theCartyMethod.com
The Carty Method Instagram @TheCartyMethod