Open Theme 2nd place winner

The mysterious beauty of pre-Christian paganism has always drawn me in. There is something inherently enchanting about the gods and goddesses, the myths and legends, and the rituals and ceremonies our ancestors once practiced. I have sought to capture this magic and bring it to life through photographs depicting Odin and Frigg, fearing a loss of faith, traveling with goddesses Fulla, and Hlín, from Asgard to Midgard (Earth) in a plea for humankind.

To achieve this, I drew inspiration from the pictorialism style of Anne Brigman, a pioneering photographer often credited with helping establish photography as a fine art form. Like Brigman, I sought to create visually stunning and emotionally evocative images, using light, shadow, and natural compositions to develop a sense of depth and mystery.
Yet despite their otherworldly nature, these images are also deeply rooted in the natural world. The lush, verdant landscapes and wild, untamed vegetation that populate these photographs remind us of our connection to the earth and the cycles of life and death integral to pagan mythology.

Ultimately, this portfolio will serve as an invitation to rediscover the rich and complex world of pre-Christian paganism and find inspiration and meaning in the legends and myths.

Todd Bradley
Todd Bradley (1970, Detroit, USA) is a contemporary photographer currently residing in San Diego, and Palm Springs California. His work concentrates on nature, and urban decay. Often showing quirkiness, Todd’s aesthetic focuses on detailed features, demonstrating new perspectives to ordinary objects in still time. Classic photographers Karl Blossfeldt, Edward Weston, and Robert Mapplethorpe undoubtedly have influenced Todd’s work with their clean lines, geometry in nature, and use of negative space. Todd brings freshness in his whimsical compositions and subject matter.
For personal projects Todd turns to diorama toy photography. It’s about keeping his child-like mind active and creative. It’s about lightening his load. It’s about being playful, and happy. And not being so serious all the time. David Levinthal, Lori Nix, And Mathew Albanese are all inspirations when it come to this close macro work.
Todd has exhibited in numerous group shows world-wide including the See/Me Awards the Louvre, Paris; the Fort Wayne Museum of Contemporary Art; Camera USA, Florida; The Center for Fine Art Photography, Colorado; He’s been awarded the Bronze Award by FAPA, London for his work on the Salton Sea. He’s received two honorable mentions from the Monochrome Photography Awards and IPA awards.
www.toddbradleyphotography.com