Distortion - Scott Kotelnicki

Beginning Draft

This blog was going to cover the technical aspect of the lens, distortion and the artistic choice of using a particular lens.

The sole purpose of this shot was to show how lens can create distortion. This shot was taken with a Canon 10-22 wide angle.  I got in extreme close to produce distortion and create the illusion that the branch in focus as larger.  I also want you to see how the horizon in the background has been reduced to nothing but from where I stood was the most prominent  feature in the landscape.

These can be artistic choices learning how to control you perspective.

 Be warned though using the wrong lens can also create disastrous results. Using this same lens for a portrait will ruin your chances for ever getting repeated business.

Not Close to Finished

Distortion: Mike Bogner

The word distortion can be used in many circumstances. In music, adding a effect to the instrument can alter and distort the sound of the instrument. Food, drugs and mind altering substances can distort ones perspective on reality while people on their own doing can distort the truth in to achieving what they want. Many artist utilize this effect with masterful skill. In a time of political uncertainty and global disputes, the 1930's seems to stand out when talking about artists distorting reality.

M.C Escher, a famous dutch graphic artist whom captivated the eyes and imaginations of many since the 1930's. Many of his etchings and drawings that amaze us so much are the ones that play with architecture and perspectives, creating the illusion of reality. This distortion allows us to wonder what could be.

Andre Kertesz utilized distortion in his work, most notably in his work "Distortions" from 1933. This soon to be known master of photojournalism utilizes the distortion effects of mirrors to create stunning nude portraits. He would continue to experiment and produce perspective altered imagery up until his death in 1985.


Over time, the world changes and so does our technology. With the aid of photoshop, and a keen imagination, the possibilities of creating stunning distorted artwork are endless. A German photographer by the name of Ralf Brueck took the concept of distortion and creates his own digitally rendered works of art. This evolving morphing of better technology brings a downfall. Since the the last World War, is the weaponry we use in war any better? Do we distort our own realities with much distractions that we become blind to see the real reality?

In attempts to further truly know myself as a person and create my own artwork, I continue to reflect upon the masters from before. Exploring the "what if's?" and "could be's" can spark a start to something great. This exploration will help grow a non-verbal language that which lays inside the imagery. Using the simple effect of distortion could captivate the minds of many and change the world for the better (or worse).

Distortion: Valerie Morris

 In most types of photography, distortion is unwanted. Sometimes it can be desirable because an artist can create art that is one of a kind. Distortion is alteration of an original object that could be hard to figure out what it was in the first place.

Distortion is similar to abstract because there isn’t a true reality to the image. When an image is being distorted, the meaning of the image becomes different. Distortion doesn’t have to be taken so literally but most of the time it is. Your perception and outlook could be distorting how you look at the scene or something you photographing could actually be distorting the image.

Concept: Distortion

There is this very strange feeling that you get when you are standing in a room and all that surrounds you is the projected image of what is outside your window.  The room will be dimly lit but a view will turn corners and wrap the room like wallpaper.  Some may wonder how this is done as it seems like such a crazy concept.  Actually, it is the most simple and I guess you could say barbaric form of photography there is.  Pinhole photography uses no lenses, no mirrors, and no shutter.  It is nothing but a hole small enough to not let light drench whatever space is around it.  It is definitely different from anything photographic these days and when experimented with the possibilities are endless.  You are able to warp the world and distort everything visible into whatever shape the light is contained in.