Trash Heroes by Sebastian Magnani
First I photographed everyone who was interested in showing off one of their trash objects. Then I selected people with objects that were the most colorful or eye-catching. Of course, not everyone wanted to be photographed while throwing out their trash. But a lot of them were really open to it. Then after the first day’s shoot, I returned to the recycling center to look for more people. In the end, I photographed 40 people in two days. For the selection, I’ve choosing 16 photos based around how people looked, and the importance of the object.
- Sebastian Magnani
I’ve used a Canon 5D Mark III with the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II zoom lens. It was the perfect combination. It wasn’t possible to work with a tripod and a fixed position in that location. And I also had a Ranger RX portable flash. The recyling center didn’t have much light, which is the reason I chose a single light.
- Sebastian Magnani
About Sebastian Magnani
Sebastian Magnani, born 21 February 1985 in Brig/Valais, Switzerland, discovered a passion for photography whilst training as a media designer in 2006. After 5 years as a graphic designer and creative in an advertising agency, he decided in 2011 to turn his passion into a profession. Since then, he has been making a living in Bern, Switzerland as a professional photographer. You can find more of his artworks on his Behance profile or website.
I always try to find a story behind everything - to read beyond a flurry of images. To my mind, Magnani's collection of photographs of people and their trash reflect not only what was once valued and now discarded in their personal lives but of the changing tides of civilization and culture, as well. These are not simply people standing awkwardly straight with their throwaways. These are images of people who are in the midst of change - be they personal (as with the boy and his potty) or technological (as with the man and the TV or the other man with an old desktop).
Change and the need for change will always be constant and so what may be a valued object now has to be discarded for the new later on.
Neat project. I am surprised that you were able to get that many people willing to allow the photos. I think its a fun concept.
This is a really innovative idea in photography. Well done =)