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Joshua Hoffine is a photographer residing in Kansas City. He specializes in horror photography with elaborate sets and make-up effects. Each set is constructed with enough time and precision that it could easily be compared to a Hollywood film shoot. The photographs are not photoshopped other than simple details and color fixes. All the models in his work are family and friends, and work for free.
I first caught a glimpse of Hoffine’s work in Rue Morgue magazine and instantly knew that I needed to see more. The photos are scenes of childhood fears reminiscent of old fairy tales, and really seem to accomplish what they are going for. In works such as “BASEMENT”, “BED”, and “BEDSIDE” I was able to relate the work to fears that I personally had as a child.
Is photography something that you always knew you wanted to do?
No. I had no interest in photography until after graduating from college. I found my wife’s polaroid camera in the closet and got hooked.
How did you get into horror photography, and what inspires you to make these horrific scenes?
Originally, I was going to create a series of photographs based on the fairy tales LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD and SNOW WHITE. While I was preparing for this project, I began reading Danse Macabre
Your sets are very elaborately crafted, and incredible detail is put into make-up effects for your shoots. How long would you say it takes for you to set up one shoot?
Weeks. Sometimes months.
Do you personally create the sets and do the creature effects?
Often times, yes, along with the help of my friend Jason Coale. Other times, I’ll use taxidermy, mannequins, or props I find online.
Where do you start when you have a rough idea for a shoot?
I begin by writing down a treatment, or description of the photograph in my journal. I don’t make sketches. It may be years before an idea goes into actual production.
A lot of the work seems to revolve around children and fears, are these fears that you had as a child?
Yes.
What kind of equipment do you prefer to work with?
I prefer to shoot digitally. Recently, I’ve been using a digital Hasselblad with a PhaseOne back. I prefer hotlights over strobes. And I try to use my fog machine every chance I get.
Do you exhibit your work?
It’s been 3 years since my last exhibit. I’ve never had a major show.
What piece of yours do you feel turned out the most successful?
BASEMENT perhaps best captures what I’m going for.
BASEMENT
Are there any photographers that you look up to?
Frederick Sommer and Rich Grosko.
What are your future plans?
I am going to continue working on my series based on childhood fears, AFTER DARK, MY SWEET. I am finishing up my first short film BLACK LULLABY. And after that, I am going to shoot a follow-up series based on real world adult fears called THE CULTURE OF FEAR.
Are fans of your work able t o purchase prints or any other merchandise through you?
Limited edition prints are available upon request. I also offer one print special per month through my website.
List your favorites in each category:
Art: Philip Curtis, Robert Parke-Harrison, Francis Bacon
Sound: The Philip Glass rescore of DRACULA with Kronos Quartet, Devotchka, and anything by Tom Waits.
Film: Right now I am obsessed with a french torture porn film called THE MARTYRS
. I also worship the work of Chris Cunningham.Word: Anything by Kurt Vonnegut or Joseph Campbell.
BEDSIDE
BALLOONS
BED
SWARM
All of the photographs in this article were from Joshua’s series titled “AFTER DARK, MY SWEET”.
You can find more of his work and blogs on his personal website here.
I would like to thank Joshua Hoffine for taking time out to do an interview with us. Go check out his website and order a print, because they are incredible.
Last edited: Jul 01, 2009 @ 10:51 PM, 256 days ago |
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Comment
This is really amazing. His photos are wonderful.
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His work is amazing. My favorites of the pictures shown are “Basement” and “Swarm”.
Left by Tom on Wednesday, April 22 @ 08:15 PM / Permlink