How can I shoot like Hooper painted?

[VegasGeorge]

I really like Edward Hooper's work. It's not photography, but my eye tells me it could be. His paintings have strong contrast, lots of shadows, and blocks of form and color that give them a strong, heavy look. He focuses on a primary subject, and often his paintings have a compelling geometry about them. Human subjects are often just incidental in his works. I'm thinking about trying to emulate Hooper, but in digital photo instead of paint. Do any of you have suggestions for me to try? Shooting techniques? Post processing? Color manipulation?

[jimsolt]

I really like Edward Hooper's work. It's not photography, but my eye tells me it could be. His paintings have strong contrast, lots of shadows, and blocks of form and color that give them a strong, heavy look. He focuses on a primary subject, and often his paintings have a compelling geometry about them. Human subjects are often just incidental in his works. I'm thinking about trying to emulate Hooper, but in digital photo instead of paint. Do any of you have suggestions for me to try? Shooting techniques? Post processing? Color manipulation?

I would suggest you study the work from an artist's point of view. Understand his use of composition, geometry, form, light, etc., then try to duplicate that in your work.

The camera is simply a recording device. Don't I wish I had the skills to demonstrate it for you, but using your artist's skills in creating an image to record and extending your skills via an editing program like Photoshop to make your work less like a "photograph" and more like a "painting" should get you in the ballpark.

Your goal is one very few reach or museums would be much larger, but it is a very admirable goal. Good luck.

Jim

[Titus213]

I'm probably way off base, but my wife and I share our 300D. I consider myself a tech she is an artist. She sees landscapes differently than I do and it shows in her photographs which she uses for her paintings. One of her techniques for painting is to study the artist, his ideas, styles, etc. and then purposely try to copy one of his works to get a real feel for it. She is a fan of the Hudson River School of landscape painters. Based on her approach I would suggest you try to duplicate one of the paintings in your camera. You will quickly see where the light has to be, the shadows, and the color....

Your goal is indeed admirable. The best to you.