Avant-Garde Photography: The Collaborative Process

The most valuable aspect a fashion photographer can have is the collaboration of ideas. What makes true fashion whimsical and creative is the way elements come together to build one cohesive concept. Oddly, the viewer never sees this process; we never have the opportunity to observe (and certainly not give input) the array of ideas tossed around that create a specific photograph. Hair, make-up, wardrobe, lighting, the photographer, of course we see it all, but where (and who) does this flood of ideas come from? I often wonder: What was going on at the time of this image? What actions were going on around the scene when this was shot? What was the photographers reasoning for this particular concept? Our views are restricted, all we see is the final compilation.

According to Oxford dictionary, the word "collaboration" means the action of working with someone to produce or create something. It's the act of banding together that makes avant-garde photography (which is an extremely broad term) one of the most creative genres out there. In my mind there is one avant-garde photographer that stands out among the rest; and that is Jake Garn. Based in Salt Lake city, Utah, Garn uses some of the most innovative and creative individuals I've ever seen. The collaborative use of color, texture and shape allows every image to flow; making it seem as if the characters he creates are real. To me, Jake Garns work is the epitome of avant-garde photography - unusual, experimental and appealing.

And who are these mysterious visionary masters you might ask? "Paula Dahlberg and Steven Robertson are the ubiquitous creative geniuses involved in most of the over-the-top concepts featured on my page. Frequent contributions also come from Keith Bryce, McKell Maddox, Janae Mechling, Michelle Boucher and several others; Ryan Muirhead my always helpful and forever bubbly photo assistant." - The "Creative Team" (http://www.jakegarn.com/)

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