You read that right. Often there is beauty in darkness, and it is possible show a not-entirely-happy scene in a different light. Learning how to achieve a sense of calm in sombre situations is an art, and when executed well, it makes for some excellent photography. We dissect some of the coolest “Zen Angst” photos on PIXERF with tips on shooting the calm within a storm.
6 “Zen Angst” Photos You’ll Wish You Took Yourself
#1 Rain ride
Rajgot, Gujarat, India
Photographer: Vatsal Ladani
Vatsal Ladani/PIXERF
A middle-class family in Rajgot zips through heavy downpour on one motorcycle – that’s right, an entire family of four. This perfectly-timed shot captures the detail of each of their faces, with everything else blurred out, so the viewer focuses on their expressions. Notice how calm they are? Just another rainy day in Rajgot.
#2 Happy and sad
Semarang, Java, Indonesia
Photographer: Gama Tronik
Gama Tronik/PIXERF
The victims of a fire which broke out at Johar Market in Semarang sit together for a meal at the ruined site. We love how the framing captures the extent of the damage caused by the fire, while also showing how unfazed the victims are as they get on with their daily life.
#3 Sleeping beauty
Manila, Philippines
Photographer: Gilliano Paulo
Gilliano Paulo/PIXERF
This photographer passed by a child sleeping on the streets in Manila. Her blackened feet and how she positions herself in line with the edge of the step create a compelling story within the frame. The presence of other children nearby shows how ‘normal’ such a scene is to them. Still, you can’t help but wonder when she last ate or had a bed to sleep on.
#4 Abandoned complex
Navotas, Philippines
Photographer: Arvin Pangan
Arvin Pangan/PIXERF
This abandoned complex in Navotas now houses more than 60 low-income families, forced to make the best of their surroundings. Clever use of colour and framing shows how run-down the place is, while the clothes hung out to dry in the background are a sign of human presence amidst desolation.
#5 Little girl washing hair
Yuan Yang, Yunnan, China
Photographer: Y.S. Teo
Y.S. Teo/PIXERF
A little girl in Yuan Yang stoops down to wash her hair. You can see sadness in her face which is lit perfectly by the sun, further exaggerated by the ragged look of her clothes. The photographer took advantage of natural light, probably around noon, casting shadows on the subject in a way that forms an emotional narrative.
#6 Beautiful disaster
Philippines
Photographer: Kathy Florence
Kathy Florence/PIXERF
In a dying forest which seems to have been flooded, a man ponders his existence. Notice how the framing shows a row of palms thriving in the background (almost mockingly). Adding a human subject with a contrasting colour hints at the impact a crumbling environment can have on people.
Have a go at creating some zen angst photos the next time you pick up your camera and check out our posts on capturing a story in a single shot and how to better frame cultural narratives in a photo for more tips!
