Photography

X-rayography As a Genre

 

Art, one of our most powerful ways of expressing ourselves, consists of various genres and sub-genres, and has both contemporary and old mediums that allow artists to express their creativity. X ray photography art is one such art trend that, although it sounds like a relatively new movement, is in fact a much older art form. Started in the 1800s, arguably by a man named Joseph Niepce, it has been a way to capture intricate and delicate subject matter that mainly consists of animals and/or plants.
Mandevilla - x ray photography art

Although there are several advocates of x-rayography, it is Photowall’s designer, Albert Koetsier, whom is one of the most renowned. Koetsier, the individual also behind Beyond Light, has enabled art fanatics, and even the general observer, to see beyond their natural visual ability, and experience the true beauty and complexity of living organisms. Since an early age, eight years old in fact, Koetsier has been fascinated by the visual medium of photography, so much so that he succeeded in building a homemade camera constructed of a pair of magnifying mirrors and a matchbox. Having attached one of the mirrors facing outward, and the other placed on the inside, the young wannabe photographer designed a spring-loaded shutter.

Horsetail - x ray photography art

 

Starfish - x ray photography art

While the young Koetsier persisted with his expensive hobby, he continued to believe that he could be able to purchase a real camera one day. As he grew up and moved one, he never lost his love for photography and cameras, which seemed to go hand in hand with his career progression into an x-ray technician. Over the years, both for recreation and work, Koetsier tinkered with his x-ray machines, continuously discovering ‘poetic beauty’ in some of the most unusual muses. To discover more about his hobby, you can visit the ‘artist information’ page on Beyond Light and learn more and his work and techniques.

Iceland Poppy - x ray photography art

Despite the fact that Koetsier is a prevalent artist in this field, there are others whom also use x-rays to explore various subjects. Both Hugh Turvey and Nick Veasey use x-rayography to produce astounding pieces of art. Discussing their preferred methods aren’t as cut and dry as some would expect, especially when looking into Hugh Turvey’s work – instead of sticking to one technique manipulation, such as chemical processing, he will happily explore several to create a piece. That being said, Turvey appears to favour his coined phrase ‘XOGRAM’, instead of using equipment, you can get an image by placing the subject on photographic paper. Turvey does this, but then alters the amount of light exposure he allows onto the paper. In contrast to this, Veasey is more consistent in his methods, and tends to use x-rays and film processing to create his work.

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Naaz is a web designer and loves to find new tips and tricks for creativity purposes and likes to share them with the people.

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