Futurist Photodynamism and Chronophotography

Today my tutor (Chico) and I discussed Anton Giulio Bragaglia and his Futuristic Dynamism photography techniques. Chico suggested this to me because of the photography work with slow shutter speeds I have been doing so far. Photodynamism is focused on capturing energy and movement. This style was established in the early 20th century.


Anton Giulio Bragaglia, “Ritratto fotodinamico di una donna”, 1924

We also went over Chronophotography and I was told to look into Etienne-Jules Marey's work. This style goes back earlier than Photodynamism, originally being used in 1860s. This style was made possible by using shutter speeds of 1000 per second and capturing multiple exposures of up to 12 frames per second.

Etienne-Jules Marey, "Flight of the pelican", 1883

Other relevant pieces were:

Duchamp's "Nude Descending a Staircase No. 2"

Eadweard Muybridge's "Dancing (Fancy) (Movements Female)"

Balla's "Speed of a Motorcyle"

I have booked the studio in the media department for next Monday at 4pm. During my use of the studio I will use my Canon E0S to create photos that will reflect Photodynamism and Chronophotography.



Note for self on these techniques from learnmyshot.com

Lighting and Camera Settings:
Tradition Photodymamist Technique:
Traditionally long exposure was used. Typically Exposures as long as thirty seconds. To avoid complete blur the subject would pause for a few seconds on different planes of the image to outline details and continue the movement and stop again until desired movement has been completed. 

Contemporary Shutter Drag Approach:
Multiple light source exposure.To achieve desired results flash (pop up flash on camera) and continuous tungsten light ere utilized. You can substitute pop up flash with more sophisticated lighting just make sure the light will not spill on black background. While flash was used to freeze a part of motion, continuous light (clamp lamp) was used to allow slow shutter speed to capture the entire movement.

Please note that Robert in the video above used a Front Curtain Sink flash setting. You may also want to try using Rear Curtain Sink. (refer to your camera manual how to change it)  Rear Curtain Sink produces different effect as it captures the movement prior to freezing the motion.

Light Black Out. Black background was used to contrast light skin tones. Black wardrobe was used effectively to create the negative space for more surreal effect.

Tip: Use velvet like textured black fabric to maximize absorbency of light.