Ryan Vizzions: An Interview with Atlanta’s Best Fine Art Photographer of 2014
In my study of Southern photography and the element of surrealism that is present, I have largely focused on the work of New Orleans artist Clarence John Laughlin. To better ground my work in a contemporary setting I decided to merge the work of a modern Atlanta photographer Ryan Vizzions (known as Amodernghost on instagram).
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As the winner of “Best Fine Art Photographer 2014" via Creative Loafing, Ryan captures the city of Atlanta and the surrounding environment with a keen eye on aesthetic value.
Where are you from?
I am a military brat. I grew up all over the Eastern United States, but I have lived in Atlanta for 12 years.
What got you interested in photography?
In 2010 I did a trip around the world. I bought a camera to document the trip, but didnt know much about how to shoot. When traveling to Thailand, I was present during a civil uprise in Bangkok, and pretended I was a journalist. I used my camera to gain access to a rebel compound in the center of the city. That was the moment I learned I wanted to explore, and document the world around me.
What images do you mostly capture today?
Over the last 2 years I've made it a point to explore and learn my city more. I spend most of my free time trying to find new locations, new views, and trying to capture Atlanta the best I can, from abandoned buildings, to train stations, to people in the streets. I just love to shoot Atlanta, and that is what I have become known for, I guess. I do like to shoot a variety though. I don’t want to pigeon hole myself. I want to be able to shoot everything. One day I’ll shoot with a model in an old train factory, and the next day i’ll be shooting birds in a park. I’m trying to be more versatile these days.
Do you consider your photographs to be “Southern?”
I’m not sure what classifies as “southern.” When I think of southern photography, I think of an old man on his porch, smoking a pipe while relaxing in his rocking chair, wearing a flannel hat and a banjo by his side. To me, thats what I picture when I think “southern photography”. Gun racks and chevy pickups. What I shoot for the most part is more cityscape or street photography oriented. Theres not a lot of old barns and golden retrievers running around in the city. Although I’d love to shoot that style stuff, you don’t have much of that downtown in Atlanta.
Do you know what you are going to capture before you set out to photograph?
I usually have an idea on where I’m going to go shoot, but I don’t have an exact goal in mind when I venture out. If I go downtown, I know I’m going to be shooting buildings, and streets. If I’m going into the woods, I’m going to look for fallen trees, and pathway cuts; those kind of things. Never an exact shot though. I try to find spots and locations people haven’t really seen before. Thats my main goal. If I can’t find that, there are always a few go to locations to shoot, but really the goal is to find new angles and be able to show people something they may have never seen before.
How does an image take shop (before, during, and after)?
Once I find something I want to capture, I’ll try to find the best angle of the object or location. I’ll usually shoot 5 or so shots of the subject, and then review them. If I don’t see something I like, I try it another way until I’m happy with the composition and lighting. Afterwards, I’ll use a variety of applications on my cellphone to edit them. Since I use my cellphone more than my SLR when out exploring, it’s a lot easier to both shoot and edit the photos through the phone. I use a combination of about 4 different photo editing apps. One may be good for filters, while another is good for editing. I have a series named Eat Acid Ride Trains, in which I will layer photos, and do glitches, and just really try to create a a weird, but recognizable image. That series I use about 7 different apps.
Is the object capture more important than how it is captured?
A good photo is a good photo. If it makes you feel, or shows you something you enjoy, it shouldn't matter how or what it is. I use a junky SLR and a cell phone. How it is captured is only as important to your abilities. I don’t make a ton of money, so I cant afford all the new equipment. Until I start making money from my photos, I’m going to the best with what I have. People will enjoy a great picture of a hot air balloon over a field. It shouldn't matter if its a phone, or a camera. Enjoy the shot.
What does surreal mean to you when applied to photography?
Surreal to me is creating something out of your imagination. Capturing a photo is one aspect, but being able to bend and twist, layer and distort really adds a more personal and artistic approach to it.It’s very similar for a photographer as it is for an artist to paint out of their mind. You can create a world out of your imagination, and give people a perspective that can be very personal if you choose.
Do you have any surreal elements in your photography?
I do. I have a couple series that I like to edit and twist the images to create something you won’t see in the real world. If you use instagram, you can view #eatacidridetrains or #ghostsinthewaves. Both are very edited, and “surreal”. At least my interpretation of it.
How does the environment of an image add to it?
Location. Location. Location. Environment, and location are the most important aspects of photography for me personally. A woman in front of a white wall can be a good photo, but that woman in a long, well lighted hallway can add so much more to an image.
Does the past history of a setting or environment that an image is captured in add to the photography?
Of Course. Using a landmark that is recognizable will always resonate with a viewer. Being able to capture an abandoned building, or an environment that obviously shows history that the viewer may not have ever seen before may often spark interest, and make people wonder about the history of the location. I often wonder about all the things that have happened at a prison or school over all the years. Before and after they became abandoned. A beautiful location with a history is always a go to goal when exploring.
How does Clarence John Laughlin use photography as a medium?
From my perspective, Clarence uses photography as a way to capture people in a darker environment. Maybe because his photos are so aged, but they have a very dark and spooky vibe to me. Something I can def relate to, as I see some of myself in his photos.
What do you personally think of Laughlin’s photography?
I enjoy his work. I can see some of my style being similar to his. Layering, manipulating, distorting. I can relate to his work because it seems him and I have a very similar view on what a surreal photo is. Although our techniques were created in different ways, some of them are timeless.
Is Laughlin’s work a portrait of surrealism?
If Laughlin’s photos don’t make you feel just a little tripped out, I don’t know what would. To me, that's about as surreal as it gets. The feeling of illusion.
