The feeling of realism
from Schnappschuss no. 60
He calls his photography dream photography. Felix Hernandez does not show what exists outside in the world, but what exists inside him. Even as a child, he spent countless hours in his children's room with his toys, always trying to create a world that suited him individually. The right dream world in which the new toy car or action figure could exist
by Joana Kritiotis
"As an adult, I realized that I never stopped playing," says the Mexican
photographer. His urge to play still exists today, the only difference is that he has a camera in his hands. Thanks to digital photography and the editing options
he can now realize the images he created in his head as a child. To do this, he uses model cars or figures, which he arranges so that they look spectacular and real or as he imagines them
In his opinion, photographing scale models is not much different from other disciplines in photography, but there are a few special features. You have to think big, but small at the same time. The creative possibilities are endless and there are no precise guidelines. You simply have to use your own imagination. For Felix, successful scale is one of the most important elements.
If the feeling of realism is the goal in model photography, the camera has to get even closer to the subject. Unfortunately, a macro lens is not much help in this case, as it offers hardly any depth of field. The focus in a macro shot is on a smaller area of the subject and the overall image does not get the "real" effect that is desired. The human brain needs the depth of field at this scale, just like in reality, in order to be fooled. It should appear as if it was photographed at normal size. Focus stacking can also be used for this, i.e. taking several pictures at different levels of sharpness and then stitching them together. On the subject of light, Felix Hernandez reveals that it can be just like classic product photography in a studio. You just have to remember to think smaller. If the same Octabox is used as for a portrait shoot, the light that lands on the small subject is not the same. It is much softer. In his mini shoots, he uses several studio flashes, light painting and also natural daylight.
Even though he has mastered digital editing and is fascinated by it, he has more
fun doing as much as possible in advance and with the camera before editing and finalizing his work on the
computer. This gives the shots a real look. For example, if a
model car is to be placed in the snow, he uses wheat flour. For deserts, he uses cornstarch.
For atmospheric shots, he simply holds a lit cigarette next to the subject to bring fog into the picture. "It works amazingly well and is very practical for this, even if you're not a smoker." Felix uses many small and simple tricks that deliver perfect results through simple
trial and error. Most substances can be found in every household.
There is no exact recipe or procedure - creativity is required!
The final step is post-processing and gives each photo the final kick. In this phase, elements can be added to the background, effects incorporated and colors improved. Basically everything that is too complex for a camera but creates the right mood."
"Ultimately, photography for me is a game with different techniques and disciplines. The technical aspect is "easy" to learn, but the difficult part is hidden in our heads and our inner selves. You have to stay childish, curious ?? It's all about learning to play again," says the artist.
more info and more works by the artist: HERNANDEZ DREAMPHOGRAPHY
Felix Hernandez hernandezdreamphography.com
facebook.com/HernandezDreamphography
behance.net/HDreamphography
youtube.com/HernandezDreamphography
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