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I admit that not every photography project necessarily needs to show emotion. However, with some work, putting in the extra effort of capturing a certain feeling or emotion can push it ever so high. It can lead to creative images that you wouldn’t otherwise have thought of, and chances are, it would make your project far more unique than others. Adedolapo Boluwatife is a photographer who understands this well, and so today, I would like to cover one of my favorite projects of his: “Esoteric Desires”.
DIYP: “Esoteric Desires” is clearly not your typical portrait project. What’s the story behind this project?
My works are quite introspective and psychological. ‘Esoteric desires’ is a tribute to our desires and wants that are harmless but left hidden due to societal expectations and conventions. Drawing from my personal experience, I have channeled my artistic expression to shed light on the struggles and challenges I have faced as both an artist and a human being striving to navigate this landscape of scrutiny by society.
The works are raw depictions of our innermost battles and the urgent plea for liberation. The photographs from this series reflect my unwavering determination to confront these societal restrictions both for myself and for others who resonate with similar experiences. In essence, the photographs are a conduit for self-reflection, a mirror that reveals the multifaceted dimensions of the human spirit as it contends with societal expectations. They beckon viewers to engage in a dialogue that challenges the constraints imposed upon us and advocates for empathy, understanding, and the freedom to embrace our true selves.
DIYP: The composition in some of these photos is quite unique and intriguing. What inspired it?
The composition screams one thing: liberation. I try as much as possible to strike a feeling at first glance when composing my photographs. The composition in this series features some single-subject portraits of young men captured mid-jump, suspended in the air. This moment of suspension is critical because it conveys a sense of freedom and uncertainty simultaneously as if the direction of their fall is inconsequential.
This choice of composition also underscores the theme of human vulnerability. By isolating these subjects in a moment where gravity’s pull is momentarily defied, I aim to highlight the inner conflict many of us experience. Society imposes various restrictions on our behaviors, thoughts, and identities, often dictating what is considered acceptable or “normal”, especially for different genders. Through these portraits, I seek to illustrate the silent yearning within many to break free from societal expectations and embrace their authentic selves despite the pervasive fear of judgment.
DIYP: Lastly, what gear did you use for this project?
I used a Canon Eos 1200D camera, a tripod, and a landing bed.
Editors note: The 1200D brings back memories, as it was the first DSLR I ever had. Eventually, I upgraded to the Sony a7R, chasing better image quality and features, but Adedolapo’s work is a great example that you don’t always need to upgrade your camera to take good pictures.
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