Tales From the Darkside: Dark and Surreal Photo Manipulations
- By Tom Ross
- Posted in Inspiration, PHOTOSHOP
- 10 comments
Darker, surreal themes can often lead to some really interesting photo manipulations, as stylistically artist’s can stray into genres such as gothic, horror, the macabre and violence. Not the most pleasant themes for sure, but they can result in some very emotive, engaging pieces of art.
Photo manipulation is the ideal technique to work with dark, surreal subject matters, as everyday images can be warped and changed into something grotesque or unusual. For this type of composition regular scenes are also often manipulated to look darker or more menacing.
Common themes and images in dark and surreal photo manipulations include gothic feminine beauties, mist/fog, death/loss, nighttime, psychological stress/angst, falling, scenes that defy the laws of physics and personal contemplation/reflection.
As you can see from these themes and motifs dark and surreal photo manipulations are often about more than just looking attractive. They cover a wide range of serious matters, emotions and themes; and it’s up to the artist to capture them elegantly.
Today we present 40 stunning examples of dark and surreal photo manipulation art. We hope that they inspire you to try your own designs and venture into this genre.
Dark and Surreal Photo Manipulations
Fire Within Me by freaky665
Chronoscape – thundersnow by alexiuss
Noumeno by Blekotakra
Vampire Queen by Pygar
Acrimony by alexiuss
Hidden Intentions by freaky665
Symphony of Destruction by lady-symphonia
Mysteria by red-riding
Last Exit by OmeN2501
The Gathering by immanuel
I get what I deserve by freaky665
60568 by kubicki
The Laws of the Future by lady-symphonia
When a Part of Me Dies by lady-symphonia
Nocturna by lady-symphonia
The Awakening by freaky665
Dracula’s Bride Modern Edition by mary-petroff
Compagnia by Blekotakra
The Three Sisters by lady-symphonia
What shall we die for? by Azdup
If death is the end… by freaky665
Cradle of Filth art002 by NatalieShau
Night Butterfly by Wishmistress
Isolation by Wishmistress
A r a c h n i A by J-u-d-a-s
Tears of stone III: In memoriam by aphostol
Confessions by lady-symphonia
Egg Island by djajakarta
E x i l e by aphostol
Neil Gaiman’s Death III by hoschie
Porcelain Splinter by conzpiracy
Hecate by mari-na
Meme La Nuit Est Seule by valse-des-ombres
Harmony… by J-u-d-a-s
Nightshift by J-u-d-a-s
Corrupt by Taborda08
Intersection by robcherry
Artefact by Guivre1580
My Metallic Sonata by Wishmistress
What Do You Think?
I hope that you enjoyed this article. Did you have any favorite photo manipulations from this collection? Perhaps a favorite theme that jumped out at you within this genre? Let us know in the comments below and we can get a discussion going!
(rb)
About the Author
Want more design goodness? Download HUNDREDS of design resources at Tom's new design deals site MyDesignDeals. Access all of these premium quality resources totally free in the Designer Toolbox area. Access the toolbox today!








































Lisa M. Rodgers, 06 June 2012
Absolutely amazing!
gfs, 06 June 2012
this site has gone downhill .. It’s just “look i made a list of what people have done” kinda blog .. One word to describe this site.. Boring!
Robert Bowen, 07 June 2012
Sorry you feel that way, gfs, and though everyone is entitled to their own opinions, this is one that seems somewhat misinformed. We have always tended towards the highly visual and inspirational collections, however, the site still continues to put out resources and new, informative tutorials. Including an occasional interview and showcase of past influential designers.
Now there was a recent rededicated effort, as we are part of two other sites, to ensure that content that would fit better either on Smashing or the Design Informer wing, to keep that content placed there. So perhaps that is what you are indicating or detecting? Either way, thanks for the support while we had it.
Noupe Editorial Team
Dhaval ( The Designer ), 07 June 2012
Really Very nice Collection inspired me in Color themes and some new concept ideas for new designssssss
Stolarija Elatio, 07 June 2012
Wooow amazing :-)
John, 08 June 2012
Very beautiful collection!
Fahad, 12 June 2012
Thanks for sharing….good works…!!!
Tom Ross, 12 June 2012
Thanks for the great comments guys! I’m glad that these works have inspired you in your own work.
GFs: I do think that learning from the work of others can really boost your own personal development and style. I hope that you do enjoy future posts at Noupe.
marcos, 10 September 2012
Impressionante. Realmente sensacional
nathan X, 22 November 2012
very good