Mt Wolf 'Midnight Shallows' by In/Out

Thom Humphreys and Jean-Philippe Blunt - now known collectively as In/Out - have directed their third video for Mt Wolf, and this one for Midnight Shallows is their most technically impressive yet, as it explores the true nature of motion through a series of overlaid shots, tracing the movement of birds, ribbons, and people. 

Much older experiments are also referenced in the video – and although the influence of Eadweard Muybridge is usually mentioned in these cases, this was inspired by the work of Etienne-Jules Maray. And working with two dancers from the Royal Ballet, and birds, it's what In/Out describe as a "chronophotographic approach".

In/Out: "Modernity and the birth of the photograph catalysed a revolution in our perception of time and motion. 

"Inspired by the work of Etienne-Jules Marey, yet moving with the times into the digital era, we continue this dialogue between motion and capture. By using the rigorous filmic process of 'step-and-repeat printing' as our foundation, we have digitally multiplied, delayed, freeze-framed and overlaid our shots. This layering up, in some cases, resulted in 50 video tracks. 

"Compositing allowed for a more controlled and sculptural study of movement. Although a digital workflow the technique was incredibly tactile, much like the early days of celluloid. No images were computer-generated and certain sequences include up to 1,498 shots.

"The multiplicity of the visuals generated by this chronophotographic approach evoked certain parallels with wider natural phenomena. The archive sections were a way of exploring these aesthetic semblances."