Lee Towndrow is a New York City-based photographer who focuses on people. He uses complex lighting, set design and meticulous direction to create works that are, in his words, "highly staged, yet seem effortless and casual." It would seem that Towndrow has achieved this effect in his series 'Paper Portraits.' Each photograph depicts a person who is framed by undulating rolls of paper, creating an environment that plays with one's sense of depth and scale.
Towndrow began his career in the film and television industry as a special effects artist. From watching cinematographers and retouching elaborate sequences, he picked up and honed his technique as a photographer. Currently, he earns his bread and butter shooting advertising campaigns for magazine editorials and Fortune 500 companies.
What's Driving This Trend
- Papercrafted Photography
- There is an opportunity for modern photographers to incorporate the art of paper craft into their works
- Hyperrealistic Staging
- Artists and photographers can experiment with complex lighting, set design, and meticulous direction to achieve highly staged yet effortless and casual artworks
- Visual Illusionary Works
- Creating photographs that play with the viewer's sense of depth and scale, such as using undulating rolls of paper, is a trend for eye-catching visual works
Who This Affects Most
- Photography
- Creative photographers can experiment with innovative styles and techniques to produce unique works that will stand out in the market.
- Advertising
- Incorporating the trend of papercraft and hyperrealistic staging can help advertisers create campaigns that will capture and retain their audience's attention.
- Art and Design
- Combining visual illusions and intricate designs can create disruptive works that push boundaries in the art and design world.
