Pierre Putman

Pierre Putman is a Belgian Photographer who was born in 1974 and is based in Ghent, a city in Belgium which is a university town and a cultural hub, Putman is known for his film-like and dream-like images. His work mainly consists of shadows, and memorable imagery that gives off a strong feeling of isolation,emptiness and mysteriousness. Putman perfectly uses artificial light and high contrast settings/compositions to change isolated landscapes, empty streets and scattered lampposts into powerful, strong captures which tell a story. The photographs which Pierre Putman takes is usually capturing the eerie aspects of the night, with glowing lampposts and dark shadowed settings which plays a key role in making a mysterious and sombre atmosphere and feeling. Putman has a unique eye for photography, his photographs are quite unique and not many photographers can execute this style of photography as well as he can, Pierre Putman`s images could possibly appeal to more introverted people and people who have gone through struggles throughout their life, as the images he takes tells stories of isolation, mystery and quietness.

In my personal study, my photobook will consist of images both taken during the day and taken during the night, for my night photography photographs they will be heavily influenced by the work of Pierre Putman. Just like Pierre Putman does, my target with my project is to capture the mysteriousness of nighttime settings, settings where the shadowing and both the artificial and natural lighting creates isolated and dream-like atmospheres. I will also focus on the presence of things such as: lampposts, fog and minimalist settings which will help to acquire the theme of loneliness and mysteriousness I am trying to acheive.

Image Analysis

This image taken by Pierre Putman, is one of my favourite images of his. This photograph captures a setting during the night which is lit up by a warm glowing light from what looks like a lampost or a similar source of lighting. The light pokes through the trees surrounding the lampost, creating beams which hit the foggy/misty air. On both sides of the image there is greenery, bushes and grass which frames the image nicely, and also gives the image dark shadows on the outer part of the image contrasting to the brightly lit pathway in the centre of the composition. The path is almost not visible and this leads the viewers eye around the image and allows the viewer to engage deeper with the image. The main focus of the photograph is the artificial light, the way it pierces through the trees and the mist creating the light a soft flowing beam adding mystical aura to the composition. The strong contrast between the light and shadow creates a strong emotional impact, putting the viewer in a paticular mood or feeling.

The light is warm orange and yellow toned and this light dominates the image and is the focal point within the composition. The tone of the light almost looks like a light from heaven as its coming from above or the light coming from the sun however it is not, it is an artificial warm toned light, the warmth of the light makes image more inviting however it also makes it look eerie. A mix between comfort and mysteriousness.

This image above is a landscape image and looks like it has been taken on a tripod, or on a flat surface. The light source is slightly off center and is coming more from above and the main composition of the image is framed by the arching trees. The pathway in the center of the image works as a leading line, attracting the viewers sight into the distance and provoking curiosity about what is behind the beaming light. Overall the image has a dream-like element to it as well as a sense of comfort and mystery. The glowing light in the center of the composition could suggest safety, heaven, energy and the sun, all positive things. However, the dark shadows and mist give a feeling and sense of the unknown and mystery, The setting is quiet,deserted and dark which enhances the feeling of isolation and loneliness in this image.