Inspired from Night Photography Style of Indian photographer Arko Datto.
His Website: https://arkodatto.art/
Arko Datto (b.1986) joined a Danish photography school to pursue the art of camera after completing 2 masters programs in theoretical physics and mathematics. Since then, the has been active with multiple projects on different subjects - including (in his own words) forced migration, techno- fascism, surveillance in the digital panopticon, disappearing islands, nocturnal realms and psychosomatic stress of captive animals, to name a few.
This LoRA aims to emulate the style of his night photography work.
2 main Points pop up while looking at his work.
Focus on Social Landscape: His images seem rooted in capturing elements of the social landscape of India. He isn't simply documenting; there's a sense of trying to capture something about the human experience within that environment.
Willingness to Embrace the Unpolished: There's a lack of hyper-perfection. His photographs feel more documentary and less overly staged or manipulated.
Let's have a brief look at his style and aesthetics. While he changes styles to suit the project, his night-time photography has a few striking elements.
1. Color Palette, Contrast, and Hues
Datto's work is characterized by striking, saturated hues that transform his images into dreamlike scenes. He utilizes filters and tints to infuse his frames with vivid colors, creating a surreal atmosphere. As a storytelling tool, he uses color (or lack thereof) to create mood and atmosphere.
Lighting:
Datto often explores nocturnal realms, using artificial lighting to create hallucinatory narratives that address social and political issues. His use of flash in urban environments results in images that appear as highly aestheticized accidents, resembling cinematic stills from a feverish nightmare.
This, coupled with long exposures and slow shutter speeds in absence of flash, with post production can give you absolutely surreal views. (They can remind you of Nicolas Winding Refn's 'Drive')
Framing and Composition
In his series "Pik-Nik," Datto examines picnicking as a cultural practice in eastern India, capturing improbable man-made objects in unassuming suburban landscapes. This approach highlights the juxtaposition of human activity within natural settings, offering a unique perspective on cultural practices.
4. Depth of Field
His images often exhibit a sharp focus throughout the frame, ensuring that both foreground and background elements are clearly visible. This technique allows viewers to fully engage with the intricate details present in his compositions.
5. Use of Deliberate Framing or Snapshot Aesthetic
Datto's work often blurs the line between deliberate framing and a snapshot aesthetic. His candid captures, especially in nocturnal settings, convey a sense of spontaneity, yet they are meticulously composed to enhance the narrative. This approach results in images that feel both immediate and thoughtfully constructed. His compositions often balance deliberate framing with a sense of spontaneity.
6. Post-Processing
Post-processing plays a significant role in Datto's work. He reimagines his photographs using filters and tints, infusing the frames with striking, saturated hues that transform his images into dreamlike scenes.
7. Exploration of Nocturnal Themes
A recurring theme in Datto's work is the exploration of nocturnal realms. He uses the night as a backdrop to address raw social and political issues, creating hallucinatory narratives that challenge the viewer's perception of reality.
8. Engagement with Sociopolitical Issues
Datto's projects often delve into critical contemporary issues such as forced migration, surveillance, and disappearing islands. His work serves as both observation and commentary, encouraging viewers to engage with these complex topics.