Category: Photography

  • Abandoned Dreamland Theme Park In Japan Now Looks Like A Graveyard

    Honestly, you couldn’t experience a much bigger contrast than the one you can see in this abandoned amusement park in Japan. In it, all the cheerful atmosphere of fun and laughter has been replaced with an eerie silence and crumbling down attractions, all of which now seem to have turned into haunted houses.

    In 1961 the Japanese opened their answer to DisneylandNara Dreamland theme park. It was the main attraction in the region for the next 45 years, but then the big players like Disney and Universal stepped into Japan and in 2006 the park had to close because of low attendance.

    Recently photographer Romain Veillon paid a visit to the park to document what effects time has had on this place, and the results seem like they’ve been taken out of some horror movie… Take a look yourself.

    More info: amazon | romain veillon (h/t: hellogiggles, boredpanda)

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    For more eerie photos take a look at abandoned Olympic venues.

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  • Rethink Ping Pong Tables

    Rethink Ping Pong Tables

    Architect Murray Barker and artist Laith McGregor have designed two outdoor table tennis tables made of monolithic concrete slabs.

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  • Rare 100-Year-Old Color Portraits Of New York Immigrants Reveal Their Unique Style

    Rare 100-Year-Old Color Portraits Of New York Immigrants Reveal Their Unique Style

    If you’re thinking that New York is an unprecedented melting pot of different cultures, you should’ve seen it a hundred years ago. It’s when immigrants from all over the world with all imaginable cultural backgrounds came to plant that seed of an American dream in Ellis Island, New York. But wait, actually… You don’t have to imagine it, just follow us and we’ll take you there.

    Thanks to the chief registry clerk at Ellis Island and amateur photographer Augustus Francis Sherman, we are now able to witness the incredible diversity among those 12 million people who immigrated to the USA between 1892 and 1954. These photos, specifically, have been taken between 1906 and 1914 and show that migration like this was a big deal back then. People usually took all the valuables they had and dressed in their finest clothes for the trip, showcasing the same incredible diversity that laid the foundations for what we know as the USA today.

    The guys at Dynamichrome managed to improve on these invaluable shots even more by colorizing them and putting a cultural backstory behind them as part of the crowdsourced book The Paper Time Machine.

    (h/t: boredpanda)

    #1 Guadeloupean Woman, 1911

    The elaborate tartan headpiece worn by Guadeloupean woman can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when the eastern Indian city of Madras was famed for its cotton-making. First plain, then striped, and then with increasingly elaborate patterns, the Madras fabric that was exported and used as headwraps was eventually influenced by the Scottish in colonial India, leading to a Madras-inspired tartan known as ‘Madrasi checks’, which in the colonial empires made its way to the French-occupied Caribbean. Like many of the traditional costumes from all over the world, the headpiece decoration in many cases was indicative of the married status of the wearer.

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    #2 Romanian Piper, 1910

    This particular crojoc – an embroidered sleeved sheepskin coat – is much plainer than the shepherd’s version, making it a more practical, work-oriented coat, suggesting that the subject is of the working class, given the lack of decoration and the straw hat. The waistcoat, known as a pieptar, is worn by both men and women, and smaller waistcoats were made from lambskin.

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    #3 Laplander, 1910

    Gákti is the traditional costume of the Sámi people inhabiting the Arctic regions spanning from northern Norway to the Kola peninsula in Russia. Traditionally made from reindeer leather and wool, velvet and silks are also used, with the (typically blue) pullover being supplemented by contrasting colored banding of plaits, brooches and jewelry. The decorations are region-specific and the gákti is used in ceremonial contexts such as weddings, or signified whether or not one was single or married, but also served a working dress when herding reindeer.

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    #4 Hindoo Boy, 1911

    The topi (a word to denote ‘cap’) is worn all over the Indian subcontinent with many regional variations and cultural significance, and is especially popular in Muslim communities, where it is known as a taqiyah. Both the cotton khadi and the prayer shawl are most likely handspun on a charkha, and were used all year round.

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    #5 Romanian Shepherd, 1906

    Dominating the photograph is a traditional shepherd’s cloak known as sarică, made from three or four sheepskins sewn together with the fleece facing outwards and generally extended to below the knee, which could be used as a pillow when sleeping outdoors. Sheepskin was also used to make the shepherd’s cojoc, an embroidered sleeved coat that had tassels, leather strips, and other small decorative elements added. This particular example wasn’t likely used for practical purposes given the amount of decoration adorning it.

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    #6 Ruthenian Woman, 1906

    Historically inhabiting the kingdom of the Rus, ranging from parts of modern-day Slavic-speaking countries, this example of Ruthenian traditional dress consisted of a shirt and underskirt made from linen that was embroidered with traditional floral based patterns. The sleeveless jacket is constructed from panels of sheepskin.

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    #7 Danish Man, 1909

    Evolving since the 1750s, the Danish dressed simply, with more decorated attire for special occasions such as weddings or Sunday church. As with many nations before mass industrialization, much of the clothing was homespun by Danish women or a professional weaver and were usually made from wool and flax, which were warm and relatively easy to acquire. Cuts and patterns were largely regional with a limited palette derived from vegetable dye. Men often wore several shirts underneath their jackets, and the addition of silver buttons on the jacket and other decorative details indicated an individual’s wealth and origin.

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    #8 Dutch Woman, 1910

    The large bonnet, which arguably is one of the most recognizable aspects of Dutch traditional dress, was usually made of white cotton or lace and sometimes had flaps or wings, and often came with a cap. The rest of the costume came in distinctly regional variations, made from cotton, linen, or wool and decorated with embroidered floral patterns. A sleeved bodice covered the top half of the body and came in a dark color, contrasted by a colorful tunic as seen in this photograph.

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    #9 Italian Woman, 1910

    This traditional dress was most likely homespun and consisted of a long, wide dress to cover the ankles. Above, a bodice and sleeves were tied in such a way to expose portions of the linen blouse and colors and materials were usually regional. Shawls and veils were also a common feature, and an apron decorated with floral brocades were used for special occasions such as weddings.

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    #10 Alsace-Lorraine Girl, 1906

    Hailing from the Germanic-speaking region of Alsace (now in modern-day France), the large bow, known as a schlupfkàpp, was worn by single women. The bows signified the bearer’s religion: black for Protestants, while Catholics favored bright colors.

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  • On Tour Across Canada

    On Tour Across Canada

    Hailing from Nova Scotia, the photographer Corey J. Isenor received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 2010, and now concentrates on film photography, exploring the natural environment, vegetation, the animal kingdom, landscape and human involvement in the natural world.

    These themes are all prevalent in the following road trip series that Isenor captured whilst road tripping through Canada with friends. Speaking of the journey, he states: “This series of work documents the first time I was to travel across Canada in it’s entirety with two close friends, on tour to promote our new albums in the month of November, all jammed into a 2002 Subaru Legacy with all of our instruments, supplies, and anything else we needed to bring.

    “We lost control of the vehicle on an icy hill and ended up rolling it off the road and totalling it.”The journey started with Al and I flying to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory where we would stay with Jona and his Dad at their cabin home in the wilderness of the north, practicing songs while preparing to drive across the country. After about a week we started tour with our first show in Whitehorse, however en-route to Dawson City, Yukon Territory in a borrowed van for the second show, we lost control of the vehicle on an icy hill and ended up rolling it off the road and totalling it. Luckily all 3 of us (plus two other friends) were completely fine as well as all of our gear, with the exception of my left-handed bass guitar which suffered a broken neck.

    “We departed from the Yukon territory and drove down through the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia.”Not the best way to start off a tour, but fortunately our Subaru was tough and outfitted with good winter tires and so the rest of the journey saw no more serious incidents. We departed from the Yukon territory and drove down through the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, then East through Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and finally all over Eastern & Atlantic Canada, all along the way playing shows in wonderful cities & towns and staying with friends when we could. I was outfitted with my Leica R4s 35mm camera, and over the month-and-a-half trip documented what I saw while the boys Instagrammed and blogged to their heart’s content.”

    All images © Corey J. Isenor

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  • Spencer Tunick`s Large-scale Nude Installations

    New York based photographer Spencer Tunick is best known for his large-scale nude photographs. Since 1994, he has photographed over 75 human installations around the world.

    For his projects he searches for several hundreds of volunteers, asking them to remove their clothes and to pose nude in massive groups. After collecting enough life models, Tunick grades them by gender, long hair, age or other characteristics. His philosophy is that “individuals en masse, without their clothing, grouped together, metamorphose into a new shape.” He aims to create an architecture of flesh, where the masses of human bodies mingle with the landscape and architecture.

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  • Ageing Tokyo By Lee Chapman

    It is said that Japan has the highest proportion of elderly citizens in the world. We have heard of this phenomenon, but we have seen little. Japanese Photographer Lee Chapman’s series portrays the elderly and their everyday life in Tokyo.

    His photographies are taken in various parts of the capital. They attempt to depict the struggle of daily life, the seemingly endless years of work, and yet despite everything, an indefatigable sense of spirit. Lee Chapman came to Japan towards the end of the ‘90s, his intention was to leave after a year of two. But he stayed until today and Tokyo became the leading motive in his work.

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  • Adorable Photoshoot Of Pet Brothers From Different Mothers

    UK-based animals and nature image library Warren Photographic has expanded their collection with the most adorable addition yet. Finally, their portfolio offers a series of photos featuring pet brothers from different mothers!

    It was my mum that came up with the inspiration for matching animals when a friend suggested she try it with her matching seal-point Birman kitten and dwarf bunny. I have continued her great work” – Mark Taylor told Bored Panda.

    Animals are more difficult to work with than people because you can’t tell them what to do… I have an assistant who helps me to train the animals and keep them from walking off set. She is incredibly good with animals,” and anyone who experienced animal photography themselves will tell you that’s no small feat to keep the animals relaxed and playful in front of the lens.

    More info: warren photographic | facebook | instagram (h/t: boredpanda)

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    For more cute mixed with majestic check out the biggest domestic cats in the world – Maine Coons.

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  • Deconstructing Sound With Dustin O’Halloran

    The American-born, Berlin-based composer Dustin O’Halloran has fast become known for his captivating, heart-breaking sound, which has provided the score for films such as Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’ and Drake Doremus’ ‘Like Crazy’ as well as the award-winning theme track for Jill Soloway’s acclaimed television series ‘Transparent’.

    But what are the musicians’ own priorities when it comes to sound, and to the listening experience in general? For this feature, we teamed up with Moshi, whose Avanti On-Ear headphones match impeccable sound quality with timeless design for an elevated listening experience. Dropping by O’Halloran’s Berlin studio, we learnt what’s going through his mind whilst performing, how he chooses his headphones, and which three songs break his heart time and time again.

    Doing your music justice with words is a tall order, but if you had to describe the style of your sound to someone who wasn’t yet familiar with it, how would you define it?

    “I am always trying to get to a place of honesty.”Well, I think I am always trying to get to a place of honesty and to the point where there is only what is necessary. Obviously there are a lot of emotional aspects to the music. It is hard to describe, but I think lately I have been working with a lot of piano and strings. And slowly I have been weaving in electronics. It is something that I have started to work more on and I have just finished my first all electronic score with Sascha Ring of Apparat, the German electronic musician. We did a science fiction movie called ‘Equals’ with Kristen Stewart together. I think describing the instruments is always a good way to understand a little bit where the music is, but I think it’s about a lot of mood and space and minimalism and emotion. It’s instrumental, obviously. [Laughs].

    You taught yourself piano from age seven. What are the biggest challenges and freedoms that come with being an autodidact?

    I mean, to be able to make music in the way you want to is the biggest freedom. I think the hardest part is actually sometimes living that life which means a lot sacrifice, a lot of traveling, a lot of time spent alone and when everyone is out enjoying their summer. It’s a lot more work to do it than people realize. You have to sacrifice a lot.

    What’s going through your mind when performing live?

    “Ultimately music is a language that speaks to the subconscious.”Did I leave the oven on…? Is my laundry finished…? … No [laughs] It changes. I think when you write a piece of music, there are things in your mind, and there are feelings and emotions related to those things. But as you continue to play it, it changes and I think probably the best place to be is when you get to a more kind of meditative state with the music, where you are not thinking so much and you are just in it. If I am actually thinking of too many things it is usually not so good because I am not fully present with the music. Ultimately, music is a language that speaks to the subconscious, I think. If I am having really conscious thoughts I am too distracted.

    Composing for film is a central tenet of what you do, having composed the scores for the likes of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and Like Crazy as well as the award-winning theme tune for Transparent. Can you fill us in on your process when composing with visuals in mind?

    “Most of the projects that I do for film they come through the directors who really like my records.”I think I have been really lucky because most of the projects that I do for film they come through the directors who really like my records, my solo records. So I have been really fortunate that that is the starting point of where I usually begin and then you have to adjust and work, to find a way into it as well. I think that it is always this kinda point where they are looking for something that I already have in my music and then sometimes I start from the script and just writing ideas from the script, which is really nice.

    And slowly when the visuals come I start to adjust to the picture or we would just put things into the film to see if its working, if the mood is working. But sometimes I get a picture and it will be edited already and you just have to start working with the picture. When I do that the picture is really driving, and that’s a different way to write. It is not always my favorite because it’s more like a classic film score thing.

    You don’t feel as free when starting on your own because I think you always feel informed by the picture, sometimes they have a temporary score which they get really into and you have to try to put that out of your head and get into a different space. But most of the time I try to think about the story, think about the emotions, think about how I can relate to it and if I can just make music for a while without any picture then put it slowly into the pictures, that’s the best that I like to work.

    What’s your ideal setting to consume music for pleasure or relaxation in?

    “My favorite thing is to put just one record on and just let it be that one record for the night.”Well, at home I just have a record player and I really like that. I think because I work on music everyday and so much of the day it is sometimes hard to have space to listen to music. If you put Spotify or the radio on, the music kind of just keeps going and I like the records because you have to sort of focus more and you just decide one thing and you listen to it. Lately my favorite thing is to put just one record on and just let it be that one record for the night. And I will listen to it twice maybe. So I am not changing the music that much and so I give something just one big good listen and then let it rest.

    What do you look for when choosing headphones, in terms of acoustics, comfort and style?

    “I always look for headphones that just have a really smooth dynamic response.”For my studio I always look for headphones that just have a really smooth dynamic response and they don’t have a lot of extra base or extra highs. But I also try to find ones they do have a really good base response, but then I have to find headphones also that don’t bleed when I am recording, if I am listening to something playback. When I am on the road then I like headphones which are a little bit more colored, maybe they have a little bit more base than usual or they can be more colored and if they are small and have a nice minimal design. Lately I’ve been using my Moshi, Avanti headphones for traveling and listening to mixes. I usually wear headphones for a long time and these are super comfortable and my ears don’t get tired. The sound is great for traveling when I’m out of my studio and like this vintage look they have.

    What should a pair of headphones offer for music listened to on the go?

    I like headphones that cut out the sound. The external sound. Because when I am traveling on the plane it just takes everything and it kinda helps me to get into my own space, so I like that.

    What is the latest project you have been working on recently?

    There are a few things… There is a film that coming out in November. It is called ‘Lion’ and we are going to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in about a week. And it’s directed by Garth Davis his debut film. It is a very beautiful story based on a book, “The Long Way Home” about this Indian boy who gets lost and eventually adopted by a Australian family. And it has Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara and Dev Patel, and I did it with Hauschka, a German composer. I think it is my favorite film I worked on. A beautiful film.

    Is it the first time you worked with someone else?

    “It has been a really busy seven months, and everything is coming out at the same time.”Well this year it’s interesting. I mostly worked on films by myself but this year I did two films and each was a collaboration. The other film that is coming out in November – there are two coming out. It’s a French film called Iris and its directed by Jalil Lespert who did Yves Saint Laurent a couple of years ago. I did that as ‘A Winged Victory For The Sullen’, which is the project that I have with Adam Wiltzie. So him and I did it as our band name I guess. It’s more an electronic score. A lot of electronics with a string orchestra and it’s a bit of a sexual thriller. It has Charlotte Le Bon and Jalil Lespert also acts in it and the third actor is great his name is Romain Duris. And then there is the third season of Transparent that’s about to come out in a month. So it has been a really busy seven months, and everything is coming out at the same time. I’m also currently working on a new solo album.

    Which three songs break your heart over and over again each time you listen to them ?

    I have to mention my friend – well, my partner – in the band Sara Love, with whom I am part of the band. She did a solo record and made a song called “Fountain”. That one always breaks my heart. And um, what else… Leonard Cohen’s “That’s no way to say goodbye”. Um… Another heartbreaker. Give me a moment (laughs). That’s a tall demand – the heartbreaker songs. What really gets me is Dimitri Shostakovich, I think it’s the Prelude No 1 [checks phone]…Yes, Op. 87 No.1.

    “What really gets me is Dimitri Shostakovich, I think it’s the Prelude No 1.”

    – In collaboration with Moshi –
    All images © Clemens Poloczek, taken exclusively for iGNANT. Interview by Clara Renner, questions and editing by Anna Dorothea Ker.

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  • Moment When Porcelain Dolls Shatter On The Ground Looks Like They’re In An Epic Fight

    Don’t drop that! At least not before photographer Martin Klimas sets up his camera to capture the moment these delicate porcelain dolls hit the ground and shatter into a thousand pieces.

    For the series “Porcelain Figurines” Martin has constructed a photography rig triggered by the sound of sculptures hitting the floor. All this to capture a mid-shattering shot filled with details that are usually lost in the moment. The artist gives away all control when he releases the sculptures from 9 feet up (around 3 metres), so all planning has to be done beforehand with a hope that it’ll turn out good.

    The final results show these dolls take a life of their own by creating unexpected new contexts by themselves. Some of them even break into epic fist fights. Because hey, they have to channel that energy somewhere…

    More info: martin klimas

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  • “1990 Never” by Kale Neville

    “1990 Never” by Kale Neville

    “1990 Never” is a series shot with a 35mm film by Culture Machine photographer and filmmaker Kale Neville.

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