Silk - Turning the Ordinary into Extraordinary

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SILK

I set out to make an easy-to-shoot image into a work of art using some cheap everyday objects. My experiment was inspired by the old school ‘Jump’ method of levitation photography, but using reams of silk.

I had an idea that I wanted to use ‘everyday’ props in this shoot to create something otherworldly, that would interact beautifully with the lighting and show fluidity and motion. An image that would reflect a moment in time, indicating not quite falling and a sense of defying gravity.

I got some cheap silk off-cuts from the local market and started to play around with these in our warehouse to see what shapes I could create. I did also try some things with a fan – but to be honest that didn’t quite work out!

I chose this shot because it was the one I kept going back to look at. Its not a perfect image though - its a little over exposed but I love the composition between the hills in the distance and the feeling of open monotone space. I also really like the angular nature of the silk.

Gear:

Tripod

Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M5II

Lens: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm

Lighting: Two tripod lights plus one bike light

Camera Settings:
Exposure: 1/7999
Aperture: 3.5
ISO: 1600
Exp. BIAS: +4.3
Exp. Prog: Shutter speed priority AE
Metering: ESP

Originally I thought I wanted an urban feel to this photo series, and I usually use www.shothotspot.com to scout locations. This time though, an artist friend of mine, Tom Godfrey, is involved with the Artist led studio and exhibition space based here in Nottingham that’s a real asset to our community – Primary. This space used to be a primary school with some great architecture so we took some test shots there and then for contrast, I headed out to try some shots in green spaces.

I kept the lighting simple; I had 2 tripod lamps, which had seen better days to be honest! And they had a couple of bulbs out. I also used my mega strong bike light to add a bit of drama and atmosphere.