"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams ... glitter in the dark near Tanhauser Gate. All those ... moments will be lost ... in time, like tears ... in rain. Time ... to die."
Roy Batty, Nexus 6, Blade Runner.
My name is Chris and I live in south of France, near Spain. I've developed a passion for photography and photomanipulation as a result of a lack of time to actually draw what I visualise in my mind.
EMAIL CONTACT MIDNIGHT80 [at] GMAIL dot COM
From Photoshop magazine article (issue#31 Oct. 09) :
Midnight-digital & end of the world.
Tormented dreamscapes, desert and silent plains, all invitations to remote and chimeric territories. Christophe Dessaigne's creations are open doors on fantastic and dreamy horizons where digital photography serves the fanciful imagery of surrealist photomontages.
His universes are desolate, vast, insubstantial. Gigantic scaled structures rule the landscapes, dwarfing human beings to the size of ants. His post-apcalyptic kingdoms, equally poetic and terrifying, are visions of the end of the world.
On his long road to digital creation, Christophe first bought a Canon digital reflex in the late summer of '07 and started learning the basics of digital photography. The artist soon grew a consuming passion for picture-taking. In no time he was strolling about the Perpignan region on the Mediterranean coast (South of France) every weekend in quest of the image. He then endeavoured to improve his photography skills and experimented a lot (with night pictures, light-painting, etc.)
But for the cinema and comics enthusiast, the mere chance of stumbling upon a nice shot was soon just not enough anymore. He thus took to the creation of simple and elaborate mise-en-scenes, mostly set in desolate places such as derelict lands, disused hospitals, etc. Then again, his pressing urge to alter reality left him frustrated somehow.
"The more I was learning about photography, the more I realized how frustrating it could be," he explains, "most photographers are usually after outstanding natural landscapes and rule out, maybe out of snobbery, digital tools. I consider digital photography as an extraordinary way to alter and experiment with the image, and ultimately bring it to something fantastic, in the literal meaning of the word."
Driven by this creative urge, now unhindered by the sacrosanct rules of photography, Christophe threw himself into editing. "The possibilities offered by Lightroom and Photoshop combined are unlimited. My work mainly revolves around two axes and depends on my mood. I can take "simple pictures" with few editing or get lost in sophisticated photomontages."
Altering reality
Christophe's photomontages deal with the themes of melancholy, fantasy, and solitude. "When I was still a child, the closing scene of Planet of the Apes struck me. It left a permanent mark in my mind. The final vision of the Statue of Liberty coming out of the sea and sand before Charlton Heston and its post-apocalyptic staging when Man realizes how infinitely small and ephemeral he is, is definitely grandiose. Same with the 80s SF masterpieces like Mad Max, Blade Runner, or Brazil. This cinema is a great source of inspiration for me, it has influenced me strongly." He adds "The works of painters like Jean-Pierre Ugarte or Beksinski are also inspiring to me, just like the masters of surrealism are: Dali, Magritte... On the comics side, the works of Metal Hurlant-era masterminds Druillet, Moebius, Caza etc is pure genius to me. These people have left their mark on the comics imagery and fantasy. They have been and still are great storytellers." As to photography, Christophe finds interest in photographers like Chad Michael Ward, Shane Harrison Parkson, or master of long exposure Michael Kenna.
Even if he readily admits enjoying photomontage, photography still takes up half of his creation work: "I think that the success of a complex photomontage resides in the story it has to tell. Technique is secondary though still necessary. To evoke a feeling, an image has to tell something, it has to carry the viewer in a different world, besides having a solid composition. Most of the time I know exactly what I want in the end. I visualize the final image before I start editing it. I even often sketch it."
Christophe uses a Eos 40D with various lenses. The one he uses most is the Sigma 10-20mm. "The ultra-wide 10-20mm lens is sensational. It allows for cinematic framing. Although the rules of photography impose post-processing correction of barrel distortion, I tend to leave them unedited. Especially on architecture, buildings and monuments pictures. I like the distorted lines in 10mm."
In keeping with the idea of altering reality, long exposure shots are also a major element of the artist's work. "I use my B&W 110 +10 diaph filter a lot, which enables daylight long exposure shots. I live on the coast so I have plenty of occasions to use it shooting the water and ebb-and-flow becoming a stunning fleecy cloud. It gives a very strong effect when coupled with magenta, and one might want to correct it (or not) with post-processing. A good tripod is still the long exposure photographer's best friend."
Christophe is a devoted user of community website Flickr, where he has built his own professional network and exposed his creations, among which novel covers, album artworks, etc.
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High quality prints available for sale on request. contact me.
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Contact me : midnight80 [at] gmail dot com
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Buy prints of my works at Redbubble :
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My artworks and pictures are NOT under Creative Commons licence, you must ask before using one of them.
ALL RIGHT RESERVED
All material in my gallery MAY NOT be reproduced, copied, edited, published, transmitted or uploaded in any way without my permission
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Moorg
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eizseit
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[ Romiau! ]
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Groups (50)
- Your Best Shot 2009 10070 photos, 13174 members
- [-dark city-] 11076 photos, 1279 members
- The Blade Runner Memories 389 photos, 75 members
- "Urban Wandering" 690 photos, 257 members
- Fine art minimalistic landscapes 355 photos, 357 members
- Front Page Archive 336 photos, 65 members
- Best Graphic Designers in world 47 photos, 9 members
- Strange Vintage Fictions - in COLOR! 431 photos, 50 members
- We want Flickr with a DARK BACKGROUND!! (NOT PHOTO) 15 photos, 13787 members
- Surrealismo Conceptual 541 photos, 633 members
- Flickr One [the #1 once a week posting group on Flickr] 1489 photos, 240 members
- The World Through Your Eye (post 1 / comment 2) 2021 photos, 325 members
- Elite: The Best of Digital Art - Admin invite P1/C1 2634 photos, 302 members
- Say no to sparkly comments 42 photos, 24 members
- Aporia - admin invite group (new rules thread) 1080 photos, 153 members
- LUMIERE NOIRE - ATELIER PHOTO /BLACK LIGHT (invited photos only) 1000 photos, 38 members
- Fictitious Reality 26th Exhibition-solarixx / sol 20 photos, 945 members
- abandoned asylums 2946 photos, 430 members
- RazorMonkey Magazine 7502 photos, 1363 members
- Phototrend 804 photos, 270 members
- endorphins gallery 245 photos, 99 members
- Profesionales Photoshop & Post-producción Digital 4571 photos, 617 members
- digital packaging & artwork 250 photos, 55 members
- Progressive Rock Music 3099 photos, 224 members
- Cover Designers 7669 photos, 3105 members
- The Art of Music 11305 photos, 678 members
- Ayreon 97 photos, 4 members
- Progressive Metal 400 photos, 93 members
- Art of Digital Photo Painting Masterpieces 3258 photos, 547 members
- Flickr United (Award 3) 85859 photos, 8677 members
- ART BUREAU 427 photos, 101 members
- SURREALITY 1988 photos, 317 members
- Advanced Creation 984 photos, 207 members
- Surreal Dimension 6239 photos, 661 members
- simply elegance (elegant SIMPLICITY) 2327 photos, 304 members
- ☂6 X 6☂ 1723 photos, 858 members
- Bladerunner 4781 photos, 797 members
- {Surreal Manipulation} 495 photos, 85 members
- Photo-Art 1956 photos, 174 members
- melancholy 29326 photos, 2376 members
- Monochromatic Visions 6619 photos, 1042 members
- Detalls d'un Somni 3625 photos, 396 members
- ~The Revenge of the Bizarre~/Post 1-Comment on 1 / Adult 1281 photos, 177 members
- Dreams/Nightmares 6542 photos, 548 members
- · lost art · 1121 photos, 100 members
- LONGEXPOSURE 10607 photos, 979 members
- Daily Tentacle 674 photos, 171 members
- The Innsmouth Look 786 photos, 198 members
- H.P.Lovecraft 266 photos, 93 members
- Dreamy & Bizarre Fantasy! - 5th. Exhibition only for: Ellevive 52 photos, 342 members
Testimonials (22)
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Mister Mayhem says:
"Hello Chris
I really admire you're work....best photos i've seen ever.......you rule at photoshop and photography......you rock at the horror and gothic look.....(just the way i like it) ........its truely remarkable......well done....FANTASTIC!!!!!! i am speechless on the whole lot......this is all i can say.......keep in touch.......
bye,
Chris Mercer"2nd November, 2009
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Lolo_ says:
"J'adore l'univers de tes créations, puissantes, profondes, parfois dramatiques ou mélancoliques, toujours un réel plaisir de venir voir les dernières nées. Un grand Bravo."
31st October, 2009
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drshrinker says:
"Mr. Digital (aka Chris) is, in my humble opinion, a legitimately ground-breaking artist and one of my enduring favorites here on Flickr or anywhere else within the crazy universe of photography and digital manipulation. His aesthetic is strong and unmistakable, his creations seamless, deep, and soulful - visual manifestations of the unspoken and unconsidered (inspired, on many occasions, by the lyrics of some classic tunes). They always have a tale to tell, and I feel privileged to be here so that I can take it all in. I would call him an "inspiration," but the fact is that I don't have the slightest idea of where to begin in crafting the kind of alternate reality dreamscapes which he does with such acumen and elegance. What I can say is that his images make me think and feel, and consider new possibilities, which should, of course, be the guiding mission of any serious artistic endeavor in the first place. There is always an intellectual and emotional journey to be embarked upon in his work; I look forward to it with each one of his new posts in my Contacts' Photos. A powerful, original, necessary creative voice within the Flickr community. I'm most grateful to have happened upon his work."
8th October, 2009
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solarixx says:
"he's an amazing ARTIST
his images are full of emotion and beautifully done.
captivating,sensitive,imaginative..
a real wizard..
a real ARTIST
(and he makes me laugh too calling me "little witch")
Chris: you rock man!!!!"23rd August, 2009
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aaronbennett27 says:
"Chris is a master of the lens. I really love his work. His portrait style has driven me to dive deeper insdie my weird world and and express through emotion and passion. Chris's work echos this Sooooo much. I do truly admire him as a true artist with a true style to be amazed at. :-)
Keep them coming my friend. :-)"27th July, 2009
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Lainey Soleil says:
"Chris is amazing, what else can you really say? I've moved into his images and do not wish to leave. I hope he doesnt mind ;) His talent will move you.."
26th July, 2009
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Leah Johnston says:
"Chris is a master of photography and manipulation. He has developed a style that is uniquely his own, and yet, never seems to become repetitive. His works are haunting, beautiful and incredibly cinematic. When you look at each of his photos, you can't help but feel as though you're stepping into a scene from your favorite comic book or sci-fi film. He always has an interesting story to tell, but he never gives too much away. I am completely enthralled by the mysterious silent world of his work and I can't wait to see what adventure he takes us on next!"
8th July, 2009
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TJ Scott says:
"Chris is a true artist - with a mind full of imaginative images and with the amazing talent to render them for us to see. His works are awe inspiring Dramatic - Cinematic - and as good as any in a Hollywood movie. I always look forward to seeing what he conjures up next - knowing it will make me pause - take note - and enjoy the masterful artistry that is Midnight-digital."
7th July, 2009
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Ethereal muse says:
"Although I have just recently fell into Midnight-digital's stream, I can honestly say that I am already hooked! His creativity and vivid imagery ensnares his viewers to keep watching to see where his "movie" will take us next. The lone "little man" who braves new worlds and enables us to become a part of that reality.
The term "photomanipulation" is often used, but I just say it is his ART, for Chris is truly an artist! I look forward to following the little man on his next adventure. :oP"18th June, 2009
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-crysse- says:
"Tour à tour… sombre, onirique, fantastique. Souvent les trois à la fois, vous l'aurez compris l'univers de Minight-Digital me parle. Il fait parti des quelques personnes dont le travail m'interpelle, me réveille, m'inspire. Je remercie Nyarlathotep, Tuzun Thunes et le maître des Crapauds de m'avoir fait rencontrer leur serviteur inspiré et génial …Et surtout de collaborer maintenant à son œuvre ! ;)"
16th June, 2009
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biancavanderwerf says:
"Chris is one of the most complete artist here on Flickr in my opinion... Not only is he a great photographer but an excellent artist as well. Very inspirational, every piece is a little wonder on it's own.....
I will come back many time my friend and I hope that you keep posting your artwork here... Thanks!"13th June, 2009
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SkyShaper says:
"his art transcends"
10th June, 2009
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Marsup' aka MARS says:
"Quand je suis un peu trop joyeux,
quand je ne suis plus inspiré,
quand mes nuits sont peuplées de rêves de lutins, de p'tites fleurs, et de lapinous,
quand je ne sais plus exactement ce que je recherche dans la photo,
quand je me dis "A quoi bon me casser le Q et me lancer dans l'apprentissage de 'toshop?"
quand je veux voir mes propres fantasmes (gris, acides, arides et grandioses...) étalés devant moi...
Quand tout ça me démange, m'énerve, je fais un tour sur le stream de Chris...
Une des plus grandes révélations que m'ait fait Flickr...
Fred"28th April, 2009
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[.V.] says:
"A genius"
16th April, 2009
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spkennedy3000 says:
"One of my favorite Flickrers...
Original and so imaginative - really excellent work throughout. Like a window into a dark place that is both alien and somehow very familiar. Disturbing but fantastic."17th November, 2008
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Paul Arciphel says:
"In a world of contrived ideas and repetition it is rare to find someone with a singular voice and a unique point of view - Midnight Digital (Chris) seems to see things nobody else sees, and then presents them in a truely unique and captivating way. Through his lens we are lucky enough to get to walk a lonely mile in his fallout-encrusted shoes ..."
13th October, 2008
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william jess says:
"the apocalypse has its upsides"
2nd October, 2008
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Noel Kerns says:
"Chris is consistenly one of the most creative photographers on Flickr...unlike many photographers who take only mediocre images in the field and make them "interesting" through over-processing after the fact, Chris has first-rate skills both behind the camera AND in the digital darkroom. he seems to find some of the most compelling abandonments in Europe to photograph, and his staged "Post-Atomic" & "Mister Disaster" shots are almost all masterpieces. So..stop reading this and go check his stream! :-)"
21st September, 2008
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C0r0 says:
"Who are you? It is hard to imagine that U are human kind...
Anyway, you have succesfully killed me...
Now on I want to live only in this world U create... nowhere else...
Amazing stream.
All my respects,
Vanda"13th July, 2008
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Yoan Bernabeu says:
"Midnight-digital fait partie de ces photographes qui réalise des mise en scène vraiment excellente!
La réalisation est toujours impeccable et originale, je ne parle pas des traitements qui ajoute une ambiances exceptionnel à ces photos!
C'est toujour un plaisir de venir faire un tour sur son stream, et c'est toujour un plaisir de lire ces commentaires!!!
Bonne continuation!
Yoan"25th June, 2008
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After Dark Photo says:
"Its funny how in a community as large as Flickr you can bump into people that have similar tastes by complete accident. Chris is an excellent photographer and I literally clciked a wrong button one night and found his page.. His shoots are always creative and imaginative. Its tough to do something that has never been done before and in some of his crime scene sets and gas mask experiments he has created a technical, interesting, and uniquely styled shot that screams his and his alone.
I usually look at his newly posted shots with envy. I can't believe how diverse and talented he is. I think he is on of my three favorite photographers on Flickr and his willingness to comment and interact rather than only take and receive is commendable.
I hope you take some time to look around. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised...and don't be scared of the dark...Chris isn't."24th January, 2008
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*Lynne says:
"I am honored to be the first to write a testimonal about Chris. His photos are magical and always very thought-provoking. His Flickr name, Midnight-digital is a perfect description of his style--like his profile says, he loves to shoot at night in decayed/abandoned places. I have to repeat what I wrote to Chris in an email: he is so amazingly talented and his photos are always exciting and innovative. I am in awe of his creativity. He is like a magician, always pulling something amazing out of his sleeve. More importantly, he is the kindest Flickr friend who always comments on my work (no matter how boring the photo may be) which I sincerely appreciate.
Take a look at Midnight-digital's photos, you will not be disappointed!"6th January, 2008
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