Liminal Photography
By
Jason Leverton
Liminal Photography, which is a growing and fascinating genre that is described as the art of capturing those in-between moments or places where reality can feel surreal or astounding, yet oddly comfortable or familiar at the same time. It’s all about capturing transitional spaces, structures, conveyances, or moments. There’s usually no distinct action, no people, no story. Yet somehow, the photo tells a story anyway. So join in and get some ideas on how to actively incorporate this style and interpretation into your photography regiment!
Summary
Quick recap
The meeting focused on a presentation by Jason Leverton on the topic of liminal photography, which captures transitional spaces and moments that feel both familiar and surreal. Leverton shared a diverse collection of photographs, including landscapes, train stations, old buildings, and indoor spaces, explaining how each image conveys a sense of transition, whether through time, culture, or physical space. He emphasized the importance of capturing these fleeting moments and the emotional connections they evoke. The presentation also highlighted the contrast between the past and present, as seen in the transformation of once-bustling train depots and other historical structures into quiet, often forgotten spaces.
Liminal Photography: Capturing Transitions
Jason Leverton, a Canon photographer from DeKalb, presented on liminal photography, which captures transitional spaces and moments that feel dreamlike or surreal. He explained that liminal photography focuses on spaces between two places, dimensions, or conditions, often without people or clear action, creating a sense of mystique and stillness. Leverton shared examples of his work, including landscapes and train depots, emphasizing how these spaces can be both transitional and symbolic. Technical difficulties with the presentation software briefly interrupted the session, but the meeting eventually resumed with the presentation continuing.
Landscape Transitions in Photography
Sandwich presented a series of landscape photographs, discussing the themes of transition and space in each image. He explained how these photos capture moments of change, whether it's the transition from light to darkness, the movement of clouds, or the journey to reach a destination. Sandwich also shared personal experiences and technical details behind each photo, such as the challenges of photographing in extreme weather conditions or the deliberate inclusion of elements like roads to convey a sense of journey. The discussion included questions about composition choices, such as why certain elements were included or excluded in the photos, which Sandwich addressed with explanations about enhancing the sense of space or dimension.
Liminal Photography: Transitions in Nature
Sandwich presented a series of photographs that explored themes of transition and liminality in nature and human-made structures. He discussed how these images capture moments of change, whether it's the transition from day to night, the transformation of a dandelion, or the decay of old buildings. Sandwich also shared personal experiences, such as his travels to all 50 states and his interest in trains. He emphasized how liminal photography can evoke a sense of nostalgia or uncertainty, and he showed examples of how structures like old depots and corn cribs have transitioned over time, often finding new purposes.
Preserving Time Through Photography
Jeremy Schrader shared his passion for photographing abandoned and historical structures, emphasizing the transition of time and culture. He discussed various locations, including a ghost town in Utah, an old limestone home, and a deteriorating corn crib in Iowa, highlighting the fleeting nature of these sites. Schrader also explored the evolution of American society, comparing old general stores to modern warehouses, and expressed his love for capturing the stories behind these structures. His photographs aim to convey a sense of history and the passage of time, encouraging viewers to see the world differently.
Architectural Juxtaposition in American Cities
Sandwich presented a series of black and white photographs capturing the architectural contrast and cultural changes in American cities. He discussed the visual storytelling aspect of these photos, highlighting how they convey a sense of history and transition, such as the juxtaposition of old and new buildings, or the shift from industrial use to gentrification. Sandwich also mentioned the fleeting nature of these structures, emphasizing the impermanence of even the most durable buildings. The discussion included suggestions for creative editing, such as using a gradient fill to blend black and white with color in certain photos.
Preserving Vanishing Historical Structures
Sandwich discussed the fleeting nature of historical structures, particularly focusing on coaling towers and train depots. He shared photos of these locations, emphasizing the contrast between old and new, and the emotional impact of capturing these moments. Sandwich also highlighted the importance of preserving these structures, noting that some may be demolished soon. He concluded by sharing a personal photo of an empty barn, which holds special significance as it was the location of his parents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration.
Indoor Spaces: Transformation and History
Sandwich shared a series of photographs and stories about various indoor spaces, including a wedding venue, train stations, a prison, a train tunnel, an abandoned train car, a covered bridge, and a speakeasy. He discussed the contrast between these spaces and their historical uses, emphasizing themes of transition, change over time, and the transformation of once-functional structures into ruins or alternative uses. Sandwich highlighted the challenges of capturing these spaces without people present and shared anecdotes about his experiences visiting and photographing these locations.
Photography of Liminal Spaces
Jason presented a photography show featuring images of transitional and liminal spaces, including cathedrals, train stations, abandoned buildings, and natural phenomena like rainbows and lightning. He explained his approach to capturing these moments, emphasizing the importance of being present and aware of one's surroundings. Jason discussed the appeal of this style of photography for younger audiences, noting that it can evoke emotions and slow down the fast-paced modern life. He also shared his personal journey with photography, starting at a young age with a simple camera. The presentation was well-received, with attendees appreciating the variety and quality of the images.
Liminal Photography Techniques and Insights
The meeting focused on a presentation by Jason Hagemeyer about liminal photography, where he shared his techniques and insights on capturing unique and emotional moments. Participants discussed the importance of personal connection to subjects, the value of solitude while photographing, and the universal nature of liminal photography as a way to capture fleeting moments. The discussion concluded with attendees expressing appreciation for the presentation and engaging in casual conversation about personal lives and future collaborations.