bullfight

How to Photograph like Francis Bacon Painted

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Bullfight by Francis Bacon

What do you see when looking at a Francis Bacon painting? Essence.

Yes, there is still recognizable shape, yet no disturbing details. The subject’s essence is captured in the painting and without seeing the bullfighter’s face we know it’s the bullfighter. The painting is condensed essence and when looking at it we can feel the energy between the man and the animal, the power of the moment the tension, the fear.

How can a
photographer paint like Bacon? By daring to shoot away and simply following the energy of the moment.

Imagine a horse race. The horses are coming with such a speed that there is no time to think at all. You got to shoot away, just follow with your camera the energy of the racing horses and you will get the most amazing photographs. You will feel the energy and there is no choice, it lasts only for seconds, so just let go and shoot. The horses are faster than you and the camera, so probably most of the image will be blur, but the essence will be in focus and the blur rest of the image shows the dynamic of the moment. The viewer will feel it, just like in a painting from Bacon.

Dare!


Ute Sonnenberg for
www.rohoyachui.com