Distortion: Andrew Pusbach

 

 

 

 

  

Distortion is the twisting, changing, or alteration of a shape, truth, or condition.  
 

Eliminating the subject’s environment from the composition, viewing it from a unique angle, or employing selective focus, removes its context. This allows the viewer to free his imagination to see the subject in a more creative and abstract way.

When a photograph is created, the composition, timing, and inclusion of specific elements, is all subject to the photographer’s personal vision. This can be interpreted as distortion, due to the fact that the photographer’s personal vision dictates what is conveyed to the viewer.

For this particular image, I photographed an old and dilapidated train car in Victor, Colorado. I found the subject to be interesting, but a compelling composition was evading me. As I studied the car I noticed some peeling paint on one of the walls, and realized that I found my subject.

 

Distortion: Andrew Wyman

Considering that I grew up around guitars, when I hear the word distortion, I think of guitar pedals. Pedals that make your guitar sound nothing like it should. These pedals are the musical equivalent of Photoshop to photographers. You can make something amazing from next to nothing.

To an MC, distortion may mean feedback from the microphone, or a misunderstanding of his message.



Today, as a photographer, distortion means something completely different to me. Now, I think of lens distortion. Maybe my new path is creating a different type of distortion all together. My view of my past, present and future has become distorted (in a good way) because it isn’t the same view I had a few years ago.

Also, check out my boy Grizz (pictured above) on Facebook.

Shalia Boggs: Distortion

Distortion is something that we as residents of a civilized society deal with on a daily basis.  Women, more than men, often face this issue more when we pick up the latest copy of a fashion magazine.  "I need to look like her," is something a lot of girls say and in turn, causes them to expect that their bodies should resemble the models in print.  This is what results in people to have such distorted self-images.

Animals in nature are also faced with distortion.  The mallard duck above is a female and doesn't display the vibrant colors of that of her male counterpart.  It makes me wonder if these creatures have the same thoughts we do about why her feathers aren't as bright and bold as her mate.  Does she look at her reflection in the water and wonder why her feathers are the colors they are?  What does she think when she sees herself in the water?

The reality is that they don't.  Nature is gender neutral and therefore, doesn't allow for animals to care what color their feathers or fur is, just as long as it's functional and differentiates them from the next species of bird.

Matthew Moore: Distortion

Lamp Post By The Lake 2012 © Matthew Moore

Distortion is the act or state of being malformed or garbled or the impression of being something or someone else.

With the notion of impressionism in mind I decided to go out and photograph a common subject using my DSLR—a tool that is typically used to illustrate the true likeness of it's subject. However, instead of using a standard lens I borrowed a Lensbaby Muse.

A Lensbaby is a special kind of lens designed for SLR cameras that uses a simple lens and built-in bellows to create some special-effects such as selective focus often found in view-cameras.

With practice and the correct aperture ring set in place I was able to capture an impressionistic perspective of a lamp post along the charming lake in City Park, Denver.

Next time you're in a funk or need some creative inspiration I highly recommend giving the Lensbaby a try.

Need more inspiration?

• Here's a Google image search result using the term "Lensbaby Muse."
• Purchase your own Lensbaby from Adorama and start creating your own.

Movement: Mike Bogner

For have been living in Denver for the last two years, I've grown accustomed to the Denver and Colorado way of life and spirit. I love the fact that there is something to do, go see, or watch every weekend. This past weekend wasn't an exception either.

This weekend I was able to experience my second USA Pro Cycling Challenge come through Denver. Though this year, I was able to ride around and capture the day behind the lens of my camera. Nicknamed "America's Race", the seven stage race the covers 683 miles of Colorado beautiful backyard in seven consecutive days, starting in Durango and ending in Denver. It is a grueling and demanding race which makes it the biggest cycling events in our country a huge spectator sport. It's like our own Tour de France.

The race no doubt was grueling, with it climbing over two mountains both of which are over 12,000 feet in elevation. The race came down to the final stage with many riders all close within contention of taking the overall win. Even the final stage, the riders finished within seconds of each other. Up until the very end of the day was this truly "anyones race". It was Christian Vande Velde, a USA rider for team Garmin-Sharp-Baracuda who took the overall win for all stages and came in second for the final stage. The stage winner, Taylor Phinney also USA for team BMC, completed the 9.5 mile time trial loop around the city in 17'25"50.  Phinney rode the course at an average speed of 32.7 miles per hour.

Overall the race was excitement for all to enjoy. If you missed this years, be sure to keep a look out for next years and come to Colorado for it. You wont be disappointed. For more information and recap of this weeks events, be sure to check out the USA Pro Cycling Challenge website.

And to see the rest of my photos, be sure to visit my Flickr 2012 USA Pro Challenge photo set.

Color: Angus Hooper

In a world full of wild colors, I enjoy finding unusual examples of urban "Artwork" that has unbelievable colors, shapes and lines.  this dumpster, this wall, the cone, the tree and the debris on the ground made a fun image for my needs. 

Movement: Angus Hooper

I enjoy proof of motion left in dirt, paint, or other sturdy mediums.  This spill was at the entrance of an alley and the smaller prints were running for a good solid half of a block.  I look at the spill (another favorite topic of mine) and then imagine the vehicle that lost the bucket off the back, the paint splashing on the road, and the next vehicle following behind and creating this impression.  The whole image is one movement after another proving the end result, the mess left behind.