In my latest studio photoshoot, I crafted a dreamlike escape through a surreal photography composite. This time, my goal was to merge cinematic style with a sense of nostalgia and a symbolic rebellion against time and structure. How did I achieve that? I began by staging a scene suspended in its own dimension, where time dissolved, logic vanished, and raw emotion took over through carefully chosen visual metaphors.
A Scene From Nowhere
Shot entirely in-studio, I’ve staged a fictional island bar scene using a sunset beach backdrop and props that serve as visual metaphors. The beach bar is a surreal stage, a place not defined on any map, but one that exists more in the imagination. I ensured the lighting would set the mood and that the colors matched the golden hour haze aesthetic. I also opted for two tequila sunrises, chosen to pop vibrantly against the fine beach sand on the table, which partially buries two symbolic relics: a compass and a pocket watch.
The Message
The inspiration for this shoot came from something I’ve felt during my travels to remote shores. It’s the contrast between how people behave when vacationing in these places versus how they move through their structured daily lives. That’s the message I wanted to figure out. When the matrix of routines, expectations, and roles is stripped away, what emerges is a raw sense of spontaneity and freedom. That’s why I included the compass and the watch in the composition, and why they’re half-buried. Not a lifestyle, not a theory. Just a state of being.
Visual Metaphors and Surrealism
Surreal photography composites thrive on blending reality with imagination, using visual metaphors as a language of their own. The power of surrealism in photography lies in its ability to reveal inner worlds, producing images that are both evocative and conversation-starting. By merging familiar elements in unfamiliar or unexpected ways, these compositions draw viewers into a psychological landscape. This approach enriches storytelling, conveying ideas and emotions that go beyond literal representation, making photographs more engaging and unforgettable. Visual metaphors allow viewers to grasp deeper meanings and connect with the artist’s intent in ways that words often cannot. In surreal photography, these metaphors frequently evoke a dreamlike or thought-provoking atmosphere, encouraging viewers to question reality and see the world through a new lens.
Behind The Scenes
These types of conceptual shoots always begin in my mind, often sparked by a memory or a topic I feel compelled to express through photography. Bringing the vision to life requires meticulous planning. Lighting plays a critical role in setting the mood and achieving a cinematic effect. In some scenes, I used MagMod light modifiers to enhance the atmosphere and direct the viewer’s attention.
During post-processing, I started with one of my custom Lightroom presets as a base, then layered in a cinematic mood using Dehancer. This helped create a memoir-like aesthetic by introducing subtle grain and a gentle vintage color shift.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of work that defines me most, where each image carries meaning and becomes unmistakably mine. I’m deeply fascinated by the world around us, even the aspects driven by social conditioning. These elements challenge my perspective and push me to explore something more raw and visceral. If my surreal photo composite made you pause, feel, or wonder, stick around. Join my newsletter and dive deeper into my photographic journey.
In search of meaning,
Sal
Leave a Reply