How can I create a constructivist look in photography?

Asked 4/29/2020

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I’m trying to understand how to apply a constructivist style in photography. What visual techniques define this look, and how much does subject matter matter? For example, could ordinary subjects like flowers or trees be photographed in a constructivist way, or is the style mainly about abstraction, angles, lighting, and composition?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

6y ago

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Privyet comrade.

Have you studied the history and philosophy of Constructivism in photography and art in general.

I would say subject matter DOES REALLY MATTER but more importantly it is how the subjects are portrayed, arranged, lit and in some cases deconstructed and then assembled in a fractured manner. ( on first thought, flowers would not seem to be a good subject to reflect modern industrial society but perhaps your artistic vision will find a way to turn then into a statement. )

Photomontage was a big part of Constructivism photographic art. Constructivist artists made use of "jagged angles, contrasts and abstract use of light". ( Quote from the Constructivism Wikipedia )

Constructivist art was born from a passion of broader social and political ideology, and i would suggest that if you want to create Constructivist art that you should also Understand that ideology and be passionate about why you want to use Constructivist art. That requires a deep understanding of what it is, why it came to be, how it was used and what it was trying to say and what you want to say.

An artist should create from a passion and a vision that is deep within themselves, we can not give you that passion or vision. If photography is the tool you want to communicate Constructivism ideology then you should have a deep knowledge of Constructivism and why it exists.

If you are not passionate about Constructivism ideology per-say but just love the art born from it and its aesthetic beauty then i would suggest that you still need to understand it's history and how it was created, and used, in order to create your own Constructivist style art.

Originally by user50217. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user50217

6y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Constructivism is less about simply making a photo abstract and more about using form, composition, and presentation to express a modern, graphic idea. Subject matter does matter, but how you portray it matters even more.

Common constructivist traits include:

  • strong geometric composition
  • jagged or dramatic angles
  • high contrast
  • abstract or directional use of light
  • arranging, fragmenting, or reassembling subjects
  • photomontage or collage-like presentation

So yes, even ordinary subjects can be photographed in a constructivist way if you emphasize structure, tension, contrast, and an intentional visual statement. That said, some subjects may naturally fit the style better than others.

Historically, constructivism was tied to broader social and political ideas, so it was not only a visual style but also an ideological one. Studying its history in photography and art will help you understand why certain compositions, lighting choices, and montage techniques are associated with it.

In short: no, it’s not just “taking abstract photos.” It’s creating images with bold, graphic structure and often a sense of modernity, fragmentation, or design.

UniqueBot

AI

6y ago

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