Dreams of Flying

 BIOGRAPHY

Jan Von Holleben, born in Cologne in 1977, raised in the southern German countryside and living the majority of his childhood in an alternative commune. He relates his development of his photography work and skills to the influence of his parents, following his father’s photographic career by picking up one of his cameras and playing with what he called “magic tricks” at the age of 13. Holloben’s technique in commericial settings was honed by his young photographic imagination. He became engrossed in the photographic scene after learning in studies about teaching children with disabilities at the Pädagogische Hochschule in Freiburg and moving to London. He earned a degree in the Theory and History at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design and ended up working as picture editor, art director and photographic director in the London photographic scene. Young Photographers United and photodebut as well as recent Photographer’s Office are his photographic collectives. Published widely, Jan von Holleben’s work has been exhibited internationally throughout the world.

 ‘DREAMS OF FLYING’ CRITIQUE

I chose this image because to me the grey background closely resembles an actual sky. The picture stood out to me because of the realism of the the subject and the objects (the balloons). The balloons contrast the dull background bringing your focus away from the unreality and 'ew your attention to the bright colours. In addition the way the boy's arms are positioned also suggest the realistic view of flying. 

 

This image stood out to me because of the way the vibrant colours of clothing contrast each other with the blues and reds. The subjects appear to pop out of the background enhancing the reality of the photo. The dark grey background provides the texturized feel of the picture adding to the overall product. The creativeness of the work is displayed in a way that could be odd but is also very interesting. 

I chose this particular image because of its realism and the figures positions. The way the cape of the boy is placed creates the actual look of flying through the sky. Again the light backdrop replicates the similarities of the sky on a dull, cloudy day. The way the garbage cans are positioned makes their appearance look vertical and not horizontal as they actually are. 

MY 'DREAMS OF FLYING' IMAGES

1. My inspiration came from skateboarding and how I enjoy it.
2. I composed this image by using height to my advantage and positioning the subject to make it as realistic as possible
3. I actually did not edit this image because I thought it looked most real leaving it as is

1. My inspiration came from the outdoors and the natural props surrounding me.
2. I composed this image by positioning everything as natural as possible and making sure the subject was correctly situated 
3. I edited this picture by changing the brightness and contrast to make the image brighter and livelier. 

1. I was inspired by the autumn trees around me and wanted to recreate that.
2. I composed this image by creating a realistic tree from branches and leaves. 
3. I edited this picture by adjusting the brightness and contrast to make this originally dull picture more vibrant.