The magical photography spellbook is a captivating and enchanting guide for those who wish to explore the world of photography through a magical lens. It unveils the secrets of merging photography and magic to create stunning and otherworldly images. The spellbook starts by introducing the basics of photography, explaining essential concepts such as composition, lighting, and focus. It encourages the reader to experiment with various camera settings and lenses to achieve desired effects. As the reader delves deeper into the spellbook, they discover spells and incantations that infuse magic into their photographs. These spells teach them how to capture movement in a still image, freeze time, or even bring inanimate subjects to life.
Pick the image you want to create, read through the tutorial, print off the “Spell Cards”, and start shooting!
Ashraful has been very much inspired by the simple little things and tries to portray his appreciations for the beauty of simple things through his works. A photo might look beautiful with nice lighting, composition, and location, etc but if it doesn t have a feel or make a connection with the creator and viewer, then it just loses its appeal.
These spells teach them how to capture movement in a still image, freeze time, or even bring inanimate subjects to life. The book reveals how to harness the powers of light, shadow, and color to create ethereal and mesmerizing photographs. Moreover, the spellbook provides guidance on using props and set designs to create fantastical scenes.
Bringing Art to Life | Ashraful Arefin’s Still Life Magic
Ever wonder how to truly bring your photographs to life? Ashraful Arefin, a Fine Art Photographer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, does exactly that. Creating a combination of still images that capture movement and cinemagraphs (moving pictures), Ashraful has landed himself on Nikon’s 100 List as well as being named a MyNIKKOR Photographer. Ashraful has been very much inspired by the simple little things and tries to portray his appreciations for the beauty of simple things through his works. In short, He works to capture beauty and emotion within his photographic frame by using colors and simple techniques.
How did you get into this style of photography?
“My photography journey started back in 2013 when I started doing a 365 project. At that time I was studying Fine Arts and during my studies, I learned about 17th century Dutch still life paintings and how the artists used symbolism as a form of painting. Still life really intrigued and inspired me and I learned how the symbols and storytelling work. So, when I started doing photography I knew my field of interest would be still life. I wanted to create in the same approach and use symbolism as the 17th-century Dutch painters but in a more contemporary and minimalistic way.”
How would someone go about getting skilled in that area? Any advice for such a person?
“I think just like any other genre of photography, first you need to have passion and love for what you are doing. As for still life, it’s mostly about storytelling through inanimate objects. There are stories in every little thing. Every object has a connection with human emotion; for example, an old photograph can take you back to so many memories and make you feel nostalgic, or something like a paper boat can remind us about rain and childhood. So having a clear concept and intention will really help you hone your skills. Of course, there are other technical things to practice like lighting, composition, etc. But once you’re sure about what kind of stories you want to tell through your images you will get the idea of what kind of lighting and composition is most suitable for your work. My advice is to concentrate on what you really want to portray through your images and think about the subjects that can help you to achieve that. Also studying symbolism can be a great help to really form your ideas.”
Which camera gear (bodies, lenses, tripod, lighting, etc.) do you prefer to use in your work?
“Currently, I am using a Nikon D850 with NIKKOR 105mm F/1.4E ED, NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8 G, and NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8 G lenses. My personal favorite is the NIKKOR 105mm F/1.4E ED and it rarely leaves my camera body. The sharpness and depth it creates is amazing! In addition, I use a Manfrotto Befree One travel tripod. As for the lighting, I mostly depend on natural light. My personal favorite time to shoot is late afternoon when the sunlight is soft and golden. For the past few months, I have been mixing up and experimenting using led constant lights with natural light. Right now my personal favorite is Yongnuo YN216, it’s very affordable and lightweight and I can easily carry it around everywhere.”
What are you working on currently? Any big plans for a future project?
“Right now I am in the process of making a series of still life cinemagraphs inspired by Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland. And I am planning for a big project next year and currently collecting props for it. I want to create a series of cinemagraphs inspired and styled based on 17th century Dutch Vanitas paintings. I am really excited about this project and think the result will be pretty interesting!”
What is the one thing that can make or break a shot?
“I think it’s the storytelling quality of an image. A photo might look beautiful with nice lighting, composition, and location, etc but if it doesn’t have a feel or make a connection with the creator and viewer, then it just loses its appeal.”
It teaches the reader how to summon mythical creatures or create illusions that blur the line between reality and fantasy. From levitation spells to invisibility charms, the possibilities for creative expression are endless. The spellbook also offers tips on post-processing, revealing spells that can enhance and transform images even further. It teaches the reader how to manipulate colors, add filters, and adjust exposure to create a magical atmosphere in their photographs. Throughout the spellbook, there are captivating stories and anecdotes of photographers who have mastered the art of magical photography. They share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, inspiring the reader to embark on their own mystical photographic journey. In summary, the magical photography spellbook is an enchanting guide that blends the art of photography with the wonders of magic. It invites the reader to explore a world where imagination has no bounds and empowers them to create photographs that transcend reality, telling stories that are both compelling and enchanting..
Reviews for "Transcending Reality: Spells for Surrealistic Photography"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really excited to try out the Magical Photography Spellbook, but I was left feeling disappointed. The spells in the book were overly complicated and difficult to understand, even for someone with experience in photography. The instructions were vague and poorly explained, making it frustrating to try and implement the techniques. Additionally, the book didn't provide any tips or guidance on how to troubleshoot common problems or mistakes that could arise. Overall, I found the Magical Photography Spellbook to be more of a hassle than a helpful resource.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I regret purchasing the Magical Photography Spellbook. The concept sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The spells in the book were impractical and didn't yield the promised magical effects. It seemed more like a gimmick than a legitimate photography resource. The instructions were confusing and lacked clear step-by-step guidance, leaving me feeling lost and frustrated. I would not recommend the Magical Photography Spellbook to anyone looking for practical photography techniques. Save your money and invest in a more reputable photography guide instead.
3. Mark - 2 stars - The Magical Photography Spellbook was a letdown for me. The spells described in the book were overly complex and required expensive equipment that most casual photographers wouldn't have access to. Additionally, the book didn't provide any examples or visual aids to help illustrate the techniques, making it difficult to visualize the desired results. Furthermore, the spells didn't seem to produce any significant improvement in my photography skills or the quality of my photos. Overall, I found the Magical Photography Spellbook to be lacking in practicality and value.