JANUARY 2008: BIZLIFE, ON THE JOB
Photos that let you drink in the scenery
It started as an artsy social statement. Brian Belefant
photographed scenes in Mexico through Coca-Cola to symbolize
American culture and imperialism. A copywriter, commercial
director and advertising account manager, he knew a thing or
two about taking pictures.
The results were so good, says Belefant, he became obsessed
with the technique, in which he seals a liquid between two
pieces of glass and shoots through it. He expanded his scope,
photographing various places through a related liquid, like
maple syrup in Montreal or Turkish coffee in Istanbul.
“It became a neat way to travel,” he says.
A few years ago, he settled in Portland, set up shop, and now
is taking his amateur photography hobby to the next level. His
brother-in-law, a chemist, helps him to refine the process with
each liquid, which requires a lot of experimentation —
and patience. Belefant says he’s spent six months working
with local beers but has yet to make them work because of all
that yeast. His latest photos are postcards of Oregon
photographed through pinot noir. (They can be viewed on his
website, www.elixirlens.com.)
From the landmarks in Portland to the wineries of the
Willamette Valley, Belefant has explored the state with his
camera and filtration system. “If you find the right
light, the picture will lend itself to you,” he says. The
cloudy skies of the Northwest become dynamic when shot through
wine. Hard and soft light affects scenes differently, bringing
out bold colors. The idea sounds like a gimmick at first, but
the photos prove it is a legitimate and intriguing
technique.
Belefant’s
key subject is Oregon’s already picturesque wine country.
He hopes to sell his work to winemakers, who can in turn sell
his photos as souvenirs. Per an admirer’s
suggestion, he may next take on the coast’s famous
lighthouses through oil, and there is the elusive beer elixir
still to be tackled. AMBER NOBE
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