# Surreal Dreamlike Portraits Stoddard’s Human Portraits are Layered With Ominously Dystopic U By Tiffany | Published 2014-02-11 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stoddard References: [seamlessphoto](http://seamlessphoto.com/beinspired/2013/08/alex-stoddard/) & [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/alex-stoddard-photography) At only 19 years of age, Florida-born Alex Stoddard is a teen photographer who focuses on infusing the human form with the natural surroundings in his shoots, rendering a surreal presence noticeable among his photography. His style of photography is often whimsical and his latest installation is no different, littered by sharply [surreal portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1) that invite the audience to feel and engage in the photographs, mentally and physically. We see the portraits of frail individuals standing on rocks, engulfed in smoke, a man drenched in blood, a man writhing on a beach etc. On being asked on how much planning and pre-production goes into making a single photograph on [photography site](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1) Seamless, Stoddard says, “It is dependent on the individual photograph, really. Sometimes I’ll do a ton of research and scouting, collecting very particular elements – location, model, clothing, props. In cases such as that, I can plan for months on end. Other times, I can think of an idea and shoot it in the very same day.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Surreal Portrait Photography:** The trend of creating surreal portraits that incorporate natural surroundings offers an opportunity for photographers to push the boundaries of artistic expression. - **Whimsical Storytelling:** The trend of using whimsical elements in photography allows for unique storytelling opportunities, enticing viewers to mentally and emotionally engage with the images. - **Spontaneous Creative Process:** The trend of shooting ideas spontaneously opens up possibilities for photographers to capture unexpected moments and emotions without extensive planning. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Photography:** The photography industry can embrace and capitalize on the trend of surreal portrait photography, offering unique experiences and products to their clients. - **Art:** The art industry can explore the trend of using whimsical storytelling in various mediums, sparking imagination and attracting a diverse range of art enthusiasts. - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can collaborate with photographers who embrace spontaneous creative processes to capture unconventional and striking visuals for their campaigns and collections. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [AI-Powered Portrait Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-powered-portrait-studio.md) - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md) - [British Youth-Culture Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-and-away.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Distorted Furniture Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/first-kiss-at-last-light.md)