Today we have a submission post! This is an incredibly, exciting and well thought out article by Lisa Smith. It’s about conceptual photo designs, and how much a photo can really make you think, feel, and create. NOTE: The Author made the choice to not have some of the pictures in the article match the links. Without further ado…
One of the most dramatic facets of photography, conceptual photography is a favorite of the creative connoisseurs. As the name suggests, it’s a form of photography where the artist tries to convey a concept or idea or a message to the spectator. Such a photography usually takes a preconceived idea while designing a photograph and aspires to motivate the spectator about the maxim, as he takes a look at the image. It’s mostly followed in advertising or illustration campaigns where the image reiterates a slogan or headline which accompanies it. Conceptual photography is also common with social and political campaigns like anti-drug, no-smoking, no drunk driving, women empowerment and so on.
Below is a list of 15 exceptionally thought-provoking conceptual photo designs-
A romantic partnership is just like a jigsaw puzzle where one has to find the right match and stick to the partner through all thick and thin. By connecting two complementing puzzle pieces, this photo elegantly champions the sacred concept of togetherness which is further echoed by the “we” reflection in the mirror.
Family, especially the parents, assure the most secure cocoon for all of us. This conceptual photography here gives a true visualization of the phrase “in safe hands” by having the tiny feet of a little one perfectly guarded by the hands of his mom and dad- the ultimate “safe hands”.
Success is a hard thing to achieve and when a person rises. He or she has a lot of other well-wishers around to pull him/her to the front as well as to provide the needed support from the back. When the individual seems to be falling down. The larger peg clip represents the person at the peak of success and the small clips signify all the near and dear ones inspiring & supporting the person from all around.
This photo is all about how business tycoons are mindlessly taking up lands to pack them with industries for their petty interests. Some of these land seizures often mean crushing the beautiful nature under a bulldozer. Which is represented here by the closing zipper which is about to crush the dainty flower soon.
Time is something that cannot be tied up. The photograph here has tried to depict this timeless truth through a clock at one side and shackles all over. You can see here that even when you have the shadow of the chains falling on the clock, the time is confidently ticking on.
A breakup is always the most tragic end to a lovely relationship where once you had so many things to share. Then suddenly you have nothing left to say. The photo here laments that sad culmination of a romantic partnership with the two love birds sitting on the same wire yet far apart from one another, faced in different directions.
Societal trends are at times taxing on us. Making us do things that could even be harmful to our overall health. One such dominating issue is the size-zero concept which is forcing many young girls to squeeze themselves into crash diets and rigorous exercises without realizing that such extreme measures are only going against their body. The belt here signifies the societal pressure to attain a skinny shape which in turn is making people taking themselves to extreme harmful levels.
Time flies and we often don’t realize how we got so old so soon. It’s only when we stare at the mirror for long and see the wrinkles and notice the sedated life. We start contemplating about the active bright youth we had. The photo here shows the same concept where the older woman is seen reminiscing the cheerful reflection of her spirited youth as she sees herself sitting all quiet on a chair.
The photograph here delivers a very powerful message about how all selfish voices prefer to stay silent. Today, even despite the devastation, anarchy, and unethical violence going on around. The child here represents the innocent self who is taught from the beginning to mind her own business. That includes never saying anything about the evil acts around.
Procrastination is one of the main obstacles on the path of success and has ruined many potential outcomes just because the individual was too dubious to take the action. The laid back guy represents the typical attitude of a procrastinator while the clocks around mean the ticking time that he is wasting all day given his lazy nature.
Bad times are common in everybody’s life. That does not mean that we lose hope and stop working for a brighter future though. Someday it will definitely rain and rejuvenate you. However, this is only if you put the effort to bring on the good times. Just like this man in the picture who is trying hard to create rain to give life to the shriveled flowers.
When we are kind of equally committed to two rival groups, indecisiveness is a big thing. It can be very difficult when we have to settle with just one of them. The picture here represents that tormenting mentality of the lone pawn who is struggling hard to decide. Choosing which power group to join in finally, is a very taxing and hard choice.
The photo here condemns the squeezing nature of the contemporary tax system which is kind of hell-bent to leave many homeless. With the burden of multiple and exorbitant tax payments, and cost of living. It talks about the shameless nature of the tax collectors. Especially those that would prey upon everything a family has, even the treasured piggy bank of a little child.
Inspired by the iconic movie “Forrest Gump” starring the legendary Tom Hanks. This conceptual photograph depicts the maxim of always running ahead with the hope of a better future. We have miles to go before we take the final rest, and irrespective of the circumstances around, we have to run on and on to reach our goals.
A calm, undeterred mind is essential to achieve the goals in life. Otherwise, our mental stress and anxiety can break down our claws, preventing us from achieving success despite our talent. Just the way the knife of anxiety in the picture has cut down the sharp edges of the fork. Thus rendering it simply worthless.
The old adage, “picture speaks a thousand words”, finds its true meaning with conceptual photography. Inspired by conceptual art movement of the 1960s, this form of photography arranges simple objects and models in such a creative way that altogether expresses a thought-provoking message. Today, most of the artists combine conventional photography skills with digital technologies to offer mind-blowing conceptual photography specimens.