Stock photography platforms can also be a giant pool of artistic inspiration. Digital artists upload their personal creations and photographers present works with a twist. The topic this week is a new kind of fantasy world – the union of surreal photography and digital art in a creative collaboration with Depositphotos artists.

The big question is whether there is a time and a place for images like this. Coincidently Halloween is around the corner, so the more whimsical and surreal images might be perfect for your online projects. Surreal photography is ideal for print materials as well, such as books and ads that call for a touch of the dreamy, surreal and extraordinary.

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Poetic, gloomy concepts

With photography, surrealism is in the lighting, in the colors and sometimes in something as simple as fabric in the wind. The dusk of the background paired with the subject and lighting is a great surrealist photography idea.

surreal photography and digital art

Old building at dusk

Dusk seems to be the magical time, when no lighting conditions are as they seem with a few post production tricks. The beauty of surreal photography is that elements and lighting conditions can truly transport you to a new place, even when we are aware of what it is we’re looking at.

surreal photography and digital art

Holding the moon in her hands

Reminiscent of the works of Anya Anti, this shot amplifies surrealism with the subtle fog and the deliberate portrayal of 2 moons: one as we  know it, the other as we imagine it.

surreal photography and digital art

Straight out of a fairytale

The following image appears to have come straight out of fairytale book. Simple in it’s idea, the image is memorable for many reasons. A lovely addition to whimsical projects.

surreal photography and digital art

Straight out of a horror movie

Surreal photography can sometimes take a dark turn, like this image of a woman with a skull. We can all agree that it’s quite haunting, but nonetheless evident that the vibe is surrealism.

surreal photography and digital art

Enchanted dark forest

When digital art and photography meet, I imagine something exactly like the following image. An enchanted forest, at the quiet hours of the morning, illustrating a mysterious atmosphere.

surreal photography and digital art

Digital art of a crescent moon

Blues, oranges, turquoise and a piercing yellow. This digital combination with photographic elements transports us elsewhere. Reminiscent of the film Melancholia, dark and slightly twisted with a touch of mystery.

surreal photography and digital art

Hiker and a deer illustration

Speaking of things larger than life, here is a digital illustration of a hiker confronted by a mystical animal in a remote, moss covered forest. If this isn’t dreamy,  what is?

surreal photography and digital art

Astronaut and a flock of birds

A strong concept such as the one below can only be brought to life with the right tools and a vision. What is the story behind this image? What does it mean? Likely everyone will find their own meanings and interpretations.

surreal photography and digital art

Digital art of an eclipse

A common theme to explore with digital art is outer worldly, imaginative places and environments. This surreal image with the solar eclipse in no man’s land uses few colors but certainly manages to set the mood.

surreal photography and digital art

Digital art of a maze concept

Mind games and images straight out of your dreams is also a common theme with digital artists. This visual of a maze and a lone stranger tells a story of despair and destruction.

surreal photography and digital art

A city from the future

A slight Blade Runner concept seems to be evident in this shot. The intricacy of this surreal digital artwork makes for a great visual that can be used to illustrate futuristic concepts.

surreal photography and digital art

If you liked this selection of artworks and surreal photography, see our full collection and find images that are going to strengthen your projects. Depending on the occasion, visuals like these definitely demand attention as many will appreciate a more artistic touch.

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