Guillotine

EDITORS COMMENTS

Petri Damstén's Guillotine is a hauntingly beautiful and introspective self-portrait that explores themes of anxiety, loneliness, and fragility. Taken in his home studio in Kuopio, Finland, Damstén used a Nikon D850 and a Sigma prime lens to capture the image, which was later manipulated in Photoshop to create a surreal and macabre effect. The image features Damstén wearing a mask, blindfolded, and seated before an ominous guillotine. The atmosphere is dark and tense, with a sense of impending doom and vulnerability. The use of a cell and basket adds to the sense of confinement and isolation. Despite the ominous setting, the image is not without beauty. The play of light and shadow creates a striking contrast, highlighting the delicate features of Damstén's face and the intricate details of the guillotine. The blood-red background adds a pop of color and intensity, drawing the viewer's eye to the subject. The title "Guillotine" suggests the idea of decapitation and the loss of identity. The blindfold and mask further emphasize the theme of anonymity and the fragility of the human condition. The image is a poignant exploration of the human experience, with themes of sadness, melancholia, and the fear of the unknown. Damstén's use of lighting and composition is masterful, creating a sense of tension and unease that lingers long after the image has been viewed. The image is a testament to the power of creative editing and the ability of photography to explore the depths of the human psyche.