Photographer Shows You New York Through a Dream-Like Gaze
All images by Ryan Ferguson. Used with permission.
New York - perhaps the most photographed city in the world. This makes it difficult to create images that stand out from the pack. That, however, is exactly what the photographer Ryan Ferguson has done with his series of mind-bending photographs that feel like stepping into a moving painting.
Reddit is one of the best social media platforms for photographers. If the work is good, the community responds kindly. Ferguson is proof of that. At the time of writing, his mesmerizing mini series has received almost 3000 upvotes, no doubt that number will rise.
Popularity aside, this is a captivating set of images. They’re timeless, full of class and capture your creative soul through the use of motion and blur. I caught up with Ferguson to learn more about his creations…
Them Frames: Hey Ryan! Where did the inspiration to create this type of work come from?
Ryan Ferguson: Hi there, Dan. I think, like most photographers and artists, my inspiration comes from the world around us and the overall tone of my internal monologue.
For a while now, it’s felt like I’m observing the world that I know and love, watching it slowly slip away or change into something I didn’t see coming. I’ve always been an optimist (and a nihilist) but this is the first time that looking to the future feels more ominous than hopeful. It’s like a storm on the horizon.
Finishing this series felt quite cathartic in many ways. As I worked through it, I think I was channeling this feeling of change, uncertainty, and disappointment that so many of us are feeling in the world right now.
Them Frames: How much of the final frame is done in post compared to in camera? If you’re happy to, can you take us through the main points of the process?
Ryan Ferguson: It’s truly a rather varied mixture of things happening here. Each of these images features some type of blur/distortion layered over or under a sharp version of the same scene.
This could be from some short paths of camera movement, a longer exposure, or an out-of-focus frame. Then, in Photoshop, it’s just a matter of selectively masking certain in-focus elements and choosing which parts I want in motion. There’s also a heaping dose of “I wonder what this button does…”
Them Frames: You’ve had some great feedback on Reddit. How does that feel?
Ryan Ferguson: It feels really nice, honestly. Hearing how an image I’ve shared resonates with someone can be really moving sometimes. The anonymity of it all makes it feel more sincere because there’s no ulterior motive there.
It’s just this strange bond between two strangers. This is a big reason I’ve kept finance out of the equation. That person-to-person connection is more fulfilling than making a sale.
Them Frames: A lot of your work is in color…this set is totally B&W, what’s the thinking behind this?
Ryan Ferguson: My first jump into photography was into black and white medium format film. I just remember seeing such powerful images that truly moved me and thinking “I want to do that”.
As I’ve grown into the art form, I still love dipping my toes back into the black and white melodramatic imagery from time to time. But humans are complex, and variety is the spice of life. Sometimes it’s nice to stop and take pretty pictures of flowers.
Them Frames: If I had to describe your work as a whole…it’s like I’m viewing the world in a dream-like state. Is this just me or is there some intention here?
Ryan Ferguson: There is and that’s probably the most common and my favorite thing people say. It’s always nice to hear that. Instead of posters of rockstars and sports legends, I grew up with Salvidor Dali, Beksinski, Alex Gray, and other visionary artists on my walls.
I was also blessed to be raised in a home that prioritized the arts and fully encouraged my brother and me to pursue creative projects and hobbies. I've been told I’ve an over-active imagination and definitely have a fascination with dreams. All of that plays a role in what kind of images I like to make.
Them Frames: If you had to pick a song to perfectly compliment this series of images what would it be and why?
Ryan Ferguson: As I left the room by Uche Yara. Melodically, it was the catalyst that helped everything come together.
Them Frames: Finally, please finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because….
Ryan Ferguson: I wouldn’t know what else to do.
