Really great photos, Juliette. And an interesting conversation about deadpan photography, which is not a term I've heard before. Thank you for the introduction. It seems this style may be a natural extension, evolution, or temporary exploration on your journey as a photographer, which is great. Sometimes we (and others) are a little quick to label ourselves. I think what matters is that you are present each time you make a photo and that it reflects something you felt in that moment. Thank you again.
The push and pull of humanity against the prevailing winds of time will never cease. Like parents chastising their teens for listening to rock n roll. The ill repute of Elvis' gyrations at the height of his fame.
In this time of tumult in hyper social communication, those winds are blowing heavier and more frequently than ever before given the world's population when compared to the 1920s.
One's ability to stay focused on their internal motivation without external influence is key, though it's easier said than done as creative humans are geared to mimic one another.
Eyes forward, internal navigation set. Adapting on your own terms to satisfy your own desires for creativity and growth.
Not sure if this will make sense as it's written in brainstorm.
This is amazing. The words made me think, and the photos made me contemplate! I love the one in the store with the two televisions. I got lost in that world for a while, and it's not often I have the attention span to do that. Thanks for making me slow down and see some beautiful things this morning.
Thank you for this Juliette. I hadn’t come across the term ‘deadpan photography’ before. I have often read about the ‘quiet photograph’. It feels like they may be related
Juliette, thanks for the introduction to "deadpan". I have heard of it, but only the German expression. :) I would describe this movement as a rebellious act: too much emotion, let's keep things objective. I completely understand the intention behind it, but I think it is an emotional response to too much suffering and sadness. I just find it fascinating how a normal human response can start out an entire movement.
I am going to ponder on that, because I don't know if I am capable of shooting images that are meant to be completely objective, "emotionless", and simply showing what is there. But I would love to give it a try. I love your images and definitely think they fit into the category, but I am going to look up some of the other photographers you mentioned.
As far as putting yourself into a category, I don't think you need to worry about that too much. Whatever genre you are shooting, I see your voice in the photographs and that makes it distinct from anyone else.
I love that last sentence, Manuela, thank you! It's so needed even when I don't think I need it! Regarding the genre, I wanted to end my post by truly saying I agree with the part of not putting myself into a category. Right now, at this time, that kind of photography is working for me. However, I try not to take it terribly seriously. It feels like I'm starting to accept that I'm constantly evolving, like that spiral staircase I like to refer to, so it's just now. Also, I would argue that even though the movement embraced this idea of 'emotionless', there's no way for a photo to be without emotion. Even if the photographer attempts to remove all emotion, it's hardly possible to do so, and then there's the viewer. There's little chance any photo could pass from photographer to viewer completely devoid of emotion. A photographer can claim to subtract bias and that's ok to try, but it's kind of like any piece of art. There will be a reaction, right?
Wow! Thank you for introducing me to a new rabbit hole into which I feel compelled to tumble!
Of course, I've heard of deadpan in the context of comedy and film, but I've never heard it incorporated into a photographic aesthetic. Similarly, I knew a tiny bit about Neue Sachlichkeit, but did not realize it is the ancestor to the deadpan aesthetic.
It's interesting to contemplate how your own pendulum swing from film noir to deadpan can be traced back to expressionism (film noir) vs Neue Sachlichkeit (deadpan), respectively.
And your images in this post are compellingly deadpan. I love that style.
So! This is a very educational post for me! Thank you!
Now, it's off to the deadpan rabbit hole!
PS Substack won't let me insert an image into this comment. So please allow me to drop this link to a Buster Keaton (the undisputed deadpan master) image on Wikimedia:
I LOVE that Buster Keaton image, Jeremy! I'm so glad to know that this felt relevant to you and you are inspired to explore it. Thank you for your comments too.
Great piece, Juliette. Sander and the Bechers are favourites of mine. I saw an exhibition of the Bechers' work (at the Photographers' Gallery, I think) some years ago and it made a real impression. I'm also getting to the New Topographics at the moment.
Fantastic, Paul! I love knowing they are your favorites and that this struck a chord for you. Share anything you’ve got on it whenever you have time please.
Fantastic stuff Juliette. Interesting read and your illustrating images definitely have that feel to them. I was introduced to August Sander at university when I was studying for my photography masters. My tutor said “everything you need to know about documentary portraiture is in that body of work. Look no further”. I’m a huge fan of it. And coincidentally the Bechers, another extraordinary body of work.
How wonderful that your professor introduced you to Sander at an early stage of your graduate studies. I find these "rebels" truly inspiring. I'm glad you do too, Paul — and thank you for your comments!
An interesting post and some great examples of 'deadpan' photography Juliette. It's strange as I knew of the different photographers and movements that contribute to this style or genre but I'd not heard the term 'deadpan' in relation to them. It's quite timely as I've been reconfiguring a statement on the landscape project I've worked on for years and the words 'unremarkable' and showing it 'just as it is' are highlighted in my notes - I wouldn't have thought about the term 'deadpan' in relation to this but it's food for thought so thank you.😊 Ps...I love the image of all the dog photos!
Thank you for that comment, Lin and I'm so glad to know that the piece informed you in some way (and that it was timely). I would love to know how the direction of your project goes in all its "unremarkable" glory! 😊
No apologies needed Juliette. Your post arrived with perfect timing for me: I started noticing "deadpan" as a photography term recently without knowing what it meant and where it came from (yeah I know, I know nothing about photography and it's history). Your post is perfect and places it in its historical context.
This is a concept really interesting to me. I'm drawn more and more to documentary and images that don't try to be nice. That seems to intersect on deadpan.
Also good illustrations (the b&w are the best, obvs).
Thank you so much, Cedric! I really appreciate your comments. I'm not surprised that you are feeling more drawn to this direction, as I've seen some of your work that is similar to the direction I've been going. I try not to look at labels but 'deadpan' serves as a decent guidepost and that's always welcome in our growth as photographers.
Interesting thoughts. I don’t know if I’ll ever see things quite as simply as the deadpan description presents itself. But many such images move me, and in a world where we are inundated with… well, everything, images included, I appreciate all things which make me pause. Many of your images do that, as do the first couple of examples you included.
Thank you so much Donn, for the kind comments about the images. I really hesitate to give a name to a genre for myself, too. In the context of helping us get through change as photographers though, sometimes it helps as guidance. Appreciate your visit!
Really great photos, Juliette. And an interesting conversation about deadpan photography, which is not a term I've heard before. Thank you for the introduction. It seems this style may be a natural extension, evolution, or temporary exploration on your journey as a photographer, which is great. Sometimes we (and others) are a little quick to label ourselves. I think what matters is that you are present each time you make a photo and that it reflects something you felt in that moment. Thank you again.
Thank you so much Tom, for the kind comments. I think your summary is perfect too. I’m so glad you stopped by! Always good to see you here.
The push and pull of humanity against the prevailing winds of time will never cease. Like parents chastising their teens for listening to rock n roll. The ill repute of Elvis' gyrations at the height of his fame.
In this time of tumult in hyper social communication, those winds are blowing heavier and more frequently than ever before given the world's population when compared to the 1920s.
One's ability to stay focused on their internal motivation without external influence is key, though it's easier said than done as creative humans are geared to mimic one another.
Eyes forward, internal navigation set. Adapting on your own terms to satisfy your own desires for creativity and growth.
Not sure if this will make sense as it's written in brainstorm.
Cheers!
The operative word for me is "diffident," and the rallying cry (pace Robert Capa) is "if your pictures aren't good enough, move farther away."
ha! I love it.
Thank you. As far as I am concerned about deadpan, your imagery is a perfect example of the genre.
thank you so much!
This is amazing. The words made me think, and the photos made me contemplate! I love the one in the store with the two televisions. I got lost in that world for a while, and it's not often I have the attention span to do that. Thanks for making me slow down and see some beautiful things this morning.
Oh that means a lot, Jerred!! Thank you so much for stopping by and letting yourself slow down :).
Great piece Juliette, thank you so much for sharing it.
I also have to say, personally, I think these are some of your finest photos that I've seen. Love them!
Thank you so much, Xavi! And how funny. I wasn't even 'trying'....just being there :).
Thank you for this Juliette. I hadn’t come across the term ‘deadpan photography’ before. I have often read about the ‘quiet photograph’. It feels like they may be related
Hi! Yes, I would say they are siblings. Or at least cousins! ;) Appreciate you visiting and letting me know your thoughts.
Juliette, thanks for the introduction to "deadpan". I have heard of it, but only the German expression. :) I would describe this movement as a rebellious act: too much emotion, let's keep things objective. I completely understand the intention behind it, but I think it is an emotional response to too much suffering and sadness. I just find it fascinating how a normal human response can start out an entire movement.
I am going to ponder on that, because I don't know if I am capable of shooting images that are meant to be completely objective, "emotionless", and simply showing what is there. But I would love to give it a try. I love your images and definitely think they fit into the category, but I am going to look up some of the other photographers you mentioned.
As far as putting yourself into a category, I don't think you need to worry about that too much. Whatever genre you are shooting, I see your voice in the photographs and that makes it distinct from anyone else.
I love that last sentence, Manuela, thank you! It's so needed even when I don't think I need it! Regarding the genre, I wanted to end my post by truly saying I agree with the part of not putting myself into a category. Right now, at this time, that kind of photography is working for me. However, I try not to take it terribly seriously. It feels like I'm starting to accept that I'm constantly evolving, like that spiral staircase I like to refer to, so it's just now. Also, I would argue that even though the movement embraced this idea of 'emotionless', there's no way for a photo to be without emotion. Even if the photographer attempts to remove all emotion, it's hardly possible to do so, and then there's the viewer. There's little chance any photo could pass from photographer to viewer completely devoid of emotion. A photographer can claim to subtract bias and that's ok to try, but it's kind of like any piece of art. There will be a reaction, right?
Definitely!
Wow! Thank you for introducing me to a new rabbit hole into which I feel compelled to tumble!
Of course, I've heard of deadpan in the context of comedy and film, but I've never heard it incorporated into a photographic aesthetic. Similarly, I knew a tiny bit about Neue Sachlichkeit, but did not realize it is the ancestor to the deadpan aesthetic.
It's interesting to contemplate how your own pendulum swing from film noir to deadpan can be traced back to expressionism (film noir) vs Neue Sachlichkeit (deadpan), respectively.
And your images in this post are compellingly deadpan. I love that style.
So! This is a very educational post for me! Thank you!
Now, it's off to the deadpan rabbit hole!
PS Substack won't let me insert an image into this comment. So please allow me to drop this link to a Buster Keaton (the undisputed deadpan master) image on Wikimedia:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Buster_Keaton_in_costume.jpg
I LOVE that Buster Keaton image, Jeremy! I'm so glad to know that this felt relevant to you and you are inspired to explore it. Thank you for your comments too.
Great piece, Juliette. Sander and the Bechers are favourites of mine. I saw an exhibition of the Bechers' work (at the Photographers' Gallery, I think) some years ago and it made a real impression. I'm also getting to the New Topographics at the moment.
Fantastic, Paul! I love knowing they are your favorites and that this struck a chord for you. Share anything you’ve got on it whenever you have time please.
Fantastic stuff Juliette. Interesting read and your illustrating images definitely have that feel to them. I was introduced to August Sander at university when I was studying for my photography masters. My tutor said “everything you need to know about documentary portraiture is in that body of work. Look no further”. I’m a huge fan of it. And coincidentally the Bechers, another extraordinary body of work.
How wonderful that your professor introduced you to Sander at an early stage of your graduate studies. I find these "rebels" truly inspiring. I'm glad you do too, Paul — and thank you for your comments!
An interesting post and some great examples of 'deadpan' photography Juliette. It's strange as I knew of the different photographers and movements that contribute to this style or genre but I'd not heard the term 'deadpan' in relation to them. It's quite timely as I've been reconfiguring a statement on the landscape project I've worked on for years and the words 'unremarkable' and showing it 'just as it is' are highlighted in my notes - I wouldn't have thought about the term 'deadpan' in relation to this but it's food for thought so thank you.😊 Ps...I love the image of all the dog photos!
Thank you for that comment, Lin and I'm so glad to know that the piece informed you in some way (and that it was timely). I would love to know how the direction of your project goes in all its "unremarkable" glory! 😊
No apologies needed Juliette. Your post arrived with perfect timing for me: I started noticing "deadpan" as a photography term recently without knowing what it meant and where it came from (yeah I know, I know nothing about photography and it's history). Your post is perfect and places it in its historical context.
This is a concept really interesting to me. I'm drawn more and more to documentary and images that don't try to be nice. That seems to intersect on deadpan.
Also good illustrations (the b&w are the best, obvs).
Thank you so much, Cedric! I really appreciate your comments. I'm not surprised that you are feeling more drawn to this direction, as I've seen some of your work that is similar to the direction I've been going. I try not to look at labels but 'deadpan' serves as a decent guidepost and that's always welcome in our growth as photographers.
Thank you for the introduction to deadpan photography. Very interesting Juliette.
Glad you read it, Shital. Thank you for that!
Interesting thoughts. I don’t know if I’ll ever see things quite as simply as the deadpan description presents itself. But many such images move me, and in a world where we are inundated with… well, everything, images included, I appreciate all things which make me pause. Many of your images do that, as do the first couple of examples you included.
Thank you so much Donn, for the kind comments about the images. I really hesitate to give a name to a genre for myself, too. In the context of helping us get through change as photographers though, sometimes it helps as guidance. Appreciate your visit!
Great read thanks.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting!