Joshua Hoffine: Horrography
*Well, I’ll get the obvious question out of the way first: Tell us about yourself? Who is Joshua Hoffine?
I am a Horror Photographer based out of Kansas City, where I live and work with my four young daughters. My images often deal with childhood phobias. I stage my photo shoots like small movies, with sets, costumes, elaborate props, fog machines, and special effects make-up. I use my friends and family, including my daughters, as actors and crew.
*How did you get into photography? Was is something you always wanted to do?
I had no interest in photography until I was an adult. I discovered a polaroid camera hidden in the back of a closet shortly after graduating from college, where I had studied English Literature. That polaroid camera led me into an obsession with photography.
*Clearly you, like me are a huge horror movie fan but what/who would you say are your main influences and inspirations?
Technically, my biggest influence was a commercial photographer named Nick Vedros, with whom I interned as a novice photographer. Thematically, I am inspired by fairy tales, Horror films, Jungian psychology, and the works of Joseph Campbell.
*Your images are so vivid, there’s something very surreal about them, a little like being caught in a nightmare. How do you come up with ideas? Do you carry a sketchbook for when inspiration strikes? How does the process from initial concept to the final creation evolve?
My ideas are focused on universal fears, things we can all relate to. I try to remain sensitive to what frightens me. I also pay attention to what frightens my children.
I don’t make sketches. Instead, I write a treatment – a short description of what the photograph will be. It may be years before a concept goes into actual production.
*Violence and fear are central themes in your images but uou use your own daughters in your work. Do you find it difficult to use the girls in your darker shots such as WOLF and CLOSET? Do you let them see the final production?
Some of the images have a subtext of child predation, including WOLF and CLOSET. The Wolf is a metaphorical stand-in for a sexually predatory male. At the time I made those images, it seemed important to me to stress that subtext. I had no audience, and no compulsion to censor myself. I just did what I felt the shot required.
I used to try to hide my work from my daughters. By now, they’ve seen everything I’ve made, so I no longer try. They are very proud to be in these photographs.
*BASEMENT is probably my favourite piece but what pieces of your own are you most proud of?
BASEMENT best captures the feel that I’m going for. My other favorites include CANDY, BEDSIDE, and HANDS.
*If you could claim any movie or book as your own, what would it be and why?
I dunno. ERASERHEAD maybe? I love the images in that film.
*I notice you have cast some necklaces bearing your work. What inspired you to branch into jewellery and do you intend to extend the range?
My girlfriend makes amazing custom jewelry with her company The Strychnine Sisters. I wanted to do something with her. I do intend to shoot new images that will only be used as jewelry.
*What kind of camera/equipment/software do you like to work with?
I’m in love with the new Canon 5D. I prefer hot lights over strobes. I use a fog machine every chance I get. I’m still processing my images using PhotoShop CS1.
*Do you tour or exhibit your work often?
Rarely. I’ll be a celebrity guest at the Rue Morgue convention in Toronto this coming August where I’ll be giving a presentation on my work and philosophy.
*So in the future what can we look forward to seeking from you?
More Horror photography. A short film that I’m slowly working on. And someday, a movie.
*Are fans able to purchase prints or any other merchandise through you?
Prints and jewelry are available for purchase through my website.
[images used with permission of artist]
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Wow those pictures are amazing. Is there an exhibition on somewhere Lottie?
Interesting interview ?
Great stuff Lottie. Thanks for pointing me in his direction. Nice new twist for Culch too.
Really cool pictures. They are so vivid!
Really liked this, it’s something completely new for me too.
These are so awesome – some really scary!
The photo on the front post with the woman on the bed is deliciously disturbing!
it puts me in mind of an exhibit they had in the gallery of photography ages ago. “the architects brother” Not in the disturbing image way but in the slighty adjusted reality way.
http://www.geh.org/parkeharrison/
Well done Lottie.. Those are a bit freaky for me.
Wow- some great pics there! I love her explanations on how the shots were done on her blog.
I love this one from the blog
are you my mummy?
http://joshuahoffine.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/gasmaskchild1.jpg?w=450&h=450
@Sharon – Yaysies! I whisper that in the night to freak Darren out.
And those Parke Harrison shots are great – love the colouration.
@Tim – I will be keeping a close eye.
@RP – As freaky as The Black Arm?
@Niamh – He’s based in the US and doesn’t do many exhibitions. But keep an eye on the blog. Im really interested in the potential film.
Fascinating stuff!
I had seen some of his amazing work before but the interview really added more. Very interesting reading.. Thanks..