FANtasy series

[Manfred M]

I spent a few hours today photographing some Japanese fans and some Japanese chopsticks. My plan is to turn them into butterflies.

This is my initial attempt. I'm not loving the large white gap and need to do something there. I feel that the concept will work. Thoughts and comments, as always, are appreciated.








This is the first serious studio shooting I did with my new camera stand. This is the setup I used for this shot.

[billtils]

Sounds like an interesting project - look forward to seeing how it develops.

[Manfred M]

I've decided to rename this series FANtasy, as the pun does work.

First piece has evolved and really reminds me of a Blue Heron.

[Manfred M]

I have used the same photographic materials and have created something that looks more like a butterfly.

[Round Tuit]

I much prefer this last one although I'm sure you will find more tweaks to improve it again.

[Manfred M]

Different fans than #4, but using a similar style and technique.

[billtils]

I like the delicate approach to this one - nicely conceived and executed Manfred. (Perhaps rotate the upper "wings" so that the apex touches the lower ones?)

[Manfred M]

I like the delicate approach to this one - nicely conceived and executed Manfred. (Perhaps rotate the upper "wings" so that the apex touches the lower ones?)

Thanks Bill. I had tried that, but the balance did not work out. Let me think about how to achieve this and see if I can make it work.

[Manfred M]

Grey Heron.

This completes my original idea for four images. I have a few more concepts I need to work on to expand the use of these two sets of fans. I've also found three more rigid fans around the house, so I'm planning to photograph them as well and look at expanding the series.

[Round Tuit]

Is this last one a composite or do you have more than two of the larger blue fans? I am curious to know how you filled the gap between the two smaller fans.

[Manfred M]

Is this last one a composite or do you have more than two of the larger blue fans? I am curious to know how you filled the gap between the two smaller fans.

This whole piece is a photocomposite, built out of four different objects that I photographed in flatlay:

1. A Japanese folding fan;

2. A rigid Japanese fan;

3. A pair of Japanese eating chopsticks (black lacquer) and

4. A pair of double-pointed Japanese cooking chopsticks.

Everything has been digitally chopped up and reassembled. The area filling the gaps is a slice of the folding fans, shown below.