by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 24^th of March 2025

Dov Fuchs' photography is deeply personal yet universal, reflecting themes of existence, memory, and transformation. He quotes: 'As the sole protagonist in my images, I construct metaphorical narratives through self-portraiture, placing myself in surreal, thought-provoking scenarios.' Through his work, he strives to capture the ever-changing essence of existence.

'The man in the Wall'

Tell us a little about yourself, your hobbies and other activities.

I am a retired aerospace engineer with a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from the Technion, specialising in solid rocket propulsion. I retired at the age of 58 after 33 years in various positions in the same company, after which I worked as a consultant for private industry in the field of large technical proposals. Eventually I retired from business to devote myself to digital art and fine art photography. I share this comprehensive account of my process not to overemphasise technique, but to offer an authentic insight into the deliberate choices that have shaped my art.
My passion for photography was ignited in childhood with a simple box camera and has developed over the decades. In retirement, I immersed myself in self-portraiture, creating surreal and introspective compositions that explore time, identity, memory and ageing.
In addition to photography, my academic training in Psychology (B.A.) and Hebrew and Comparative Literature (M.A.) has profoundly shaped my creative vision.
Storytelling is at the heart of my work - a passion expressed in two published novels. I am particularly drawn to magical realism, a genre that flourished in Latin America with writers such as Gabriel García Márquez and Jorge Luis Borges, and in Japan with authors such as Haruki Murakami, where the line between reality and imagination is blurred.

How have your history and life experiences influenced your photography?

My life experiences have indelibly influenced my artistic vision. Growing up in a family of Holocaust survivors, I developed a heightened awareness of time, mortality and the ephemeral nature of existence. These themes recur in my work, expressed through visual metaphors that explore time, identity and memory.
My background in aerospace engineering has instilled a structured, problem-solving mindset that informs the way I construct my compositions. I balance this analytical perspective with a deep appreciation for symbolism and emotion, allowing intuition and personal reflection to guide my creative process. This duality of precision and abstraction - logic and imagination - defines my artistic language.

Which are your most important experiences that have influenced your art?

Several pivotal experiences have shaped my artistic journey:

* Academic studies in psychology and literature:
My academic background has given me a deep conceptual foundation, allowing me to integrate philosophical and literary themes into my work. Many of my compositions pay tribute to literary masterpieces that have deeply influenced me.
The Raven and the Poet reinterprets Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven.

'The Raven and the Poet'

Images such as those inspired by Greek mythology’s heroes like as well as the Freudian concept 'Internal Conflict' exemplify this influence.

'Sisyphus'

'Chronos'

''Internal Conflict'

* The transition from engineering to art:
The transition from aerospace engineering to fine art photography has fuelled my fascination with paradoxes - the interplay of logic and emotion, reality and illusion. This transition has led me to challenge conventional perceptions by embracing both structure and abstraction. My engineering background gives me a solid understanding of physical laws, which I enjoy subverting through my art. A clear example of this is my Mirror World series, particularly The Man with No Reflection and The Man with the Wrong Reflection, where I deliberately defy the expected rules of optics and perception.
 
* Aging and the passage of time:
The experience of ageing has deepened my awareness of transformation and memory.

'The Hourglass'

'As Time Flies By'

'The Staircase of Memories' 

'The Fall'

'Trapped in Time'

These images visually explore the fragility of memory and the fluid nature of identity over time. Through these compositions, I strive to capture the ever-changing essence of existence.

What first attracted you to photography?

My fascination with photography developed at two different stages of my life. As a child, I was fascinated by the magic of freezing time - capturing a moment to relive it endlessly. Photography offered a means of preserving fleeting memories and transforming them into something tangible.
In the last decade, after retiring from business, photography became a profound outlet for storytelling and self-exploration. It allowed me to externalise thoughts, emotions and philosophical reflections in a way that felt immediate and deeply personal. Although I had always been drawn to the visual arts, it was the discovery of digital manipulation - the ability to construct surreal, thought-provoking compositions rather than simply capturing what was in front of me - that ultimately captivated me.
At this point, I faced a creative crossroads: continue to refine an almost finished novel - an invented history of my family - or devote myself entirely to digital art. I chose the latter, setting aside my literary work in favour of visual storytelling. Although I occasionally revisit this decision, I have come to see both literature and photography as different vessels for the same artistic pursuit.

Describe your overall photographic vision.

My photography is deeply personal yet universal, reflecting themes of existence, memory, and transformation. As the sole protagonist in my images, I construct metaphorical narratives through self-portraiture, placing myself in surreal, thought-provoking scenarios. Working entirely alone—without assistants or external models—I am both creator and subject, shaping every element of the composition from concept to final execution. I often incorporate images from my personal albums, blending past and present to explore the passage of time and the fluid nature of identity. My intent is to invite viewers into a space where reality bends, prompting reflection on their own perceptions of self and time.

Why are you so drawn by creatively edited photography?

Creatively edited photography allows me to transcend the limitations of reality. It provides the freedom to construct dreamlike worlds, tell complex stories, and weave symbolic elements into my compositions. Digital manipulation is not merely a tool—it is an extension of my creative process, enabling me to express ideas and emotions that traditional photography cannot capture.

What is more important to you: the mood/story behind your images or technical perfection?

While I strive for technical excellence, storytelling and emotional impact always take precedence; a technically perfect image without depth or meaning has little value to me; my aim is to create images that resonate on a psychological and emotional level, even if they defy conventional photographic techniques.

What is your relationship to your subject matter in general, beyond being an observer?

Since I am both the creator and the protagonist of my work, my relationship with the subject matter is very intimate. Each image reflects my inner world - my thoughts, memories and philosophical enquiries. I am not simply documenting reality; I am constructing narratives that blend fact with imagination.

Do you carefully prepare the locations you want to photograph?

Not in the traditional sense. As I said, all I need to take a picture of myself is a camera, a tripod and a remote control. My main concern is to get the perspective right so that the final composition looks natural and cohesive.
In some cases, getting the right angle means shooting from above or below. Fortunately, my large house - with its many staircases - provides the necessary vantage points to create the desired perspective.

For example, Möbius's Strip demonstrates the use of several vantage points in one image. When an even more unconventional angle is needed, one that defies traditional setups, I occasionally employ my DJI Mavic Air 2 drone to capture the shot.

'On Möbius's Strip'

For simpler compositions, a plain white wall serves as my backdrop, allowing me to digitally construct entire scenes as seen in the Volcanic Eruption.

'Volcanic Eruption'

or to use a room in my house (with necessary processing), as seen in The Couch.

'On the Couch'

'Welcome to the Mirror World'

On a rare occasion, I visited a friend’s studio to photograph his easel for The Painter.

'The Painter'

My work is less about the physical location and more about transforming and constructing a reality that does not exist.

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?

         ·            Camera: Nikon Z6 (I also occasionally use my DJI Mavic Air 2 drone, as well as my Samsung Galaxy A54 for spontaneous captures).

         ·            Lenses: Nikkor 24-70mm f/4, Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8

         ·            Tripod: Manfrotto 055, providing the stability needed for precise self-portraiture.

         ·            Remote Control & Display App: SnapBridge—a dedicated Nikon app that enables remote control of my camera and real-time image preview, ensuring proper framing and alignment.

         ·            Bag: Various Lowepro bags, mainly for storage, as I rarely travel.

While gear plays a role in my creative process, I firmly believe that concept and execution are far more important than the tools themselves. An expensive camera or lens cannot replace vision and storytelling; artistic intent always takes precedence over technical specifications.

What software do you use to process your images?

Adobe Photoshop is my primary tool, offering the flexibility required for intricate compositing and digital manipulation. I also use Lightroom for organizational and administrative purposes, while Topaz Labs refines details when needed. Additionally, I utilize MidJourney to generate specific elements that I incorporate into my compositions; however, it remains supplementary rather than defining my overall creative process.

Can you tell us something more about your workflow?

My work in conceptual photography exists within a highly specific niche—intensely introspective and uniquely personal. I am the sole protagonist of my images; every character and presence within the frame is me, whether appearing once or as many as 31 times. This is not a rigid constraint but rather a storytelling tool. My work revolves around the emotions, thoughts, and existential concerns of an elderly man, exploring themes of time, memory, solitude, and self-reflection.

What sets my process apart is not only my subject matter but also the way I create my images. I work entirely alone, without assistants, using only my camera, a tripod, and a remote control app on my cellphone. I rely exclusively on natural light, with most images captured within my home. A simple white wall is all I need as a backdrop—everything else is assembled through extractions and digital compositing.

The creative process unfolds in several stages:
* Concept Development: Everything begins with an idea, visualized in my mind or loosely sketched out. This critical stage involves extensive research and reflection to determine the environment, the appearance and actions of the protagonist(s), and the overall mood. Perspective is carefully planned in advance to ensure the final composition is coherent. Numerous considerations—from framing and spatial relationships to symbolic elements—are weighed to enhance the narrative.
Every technical decision I make during this stage is driven by my overarching artistic vision, ensuring that precision always serves the creative narrative.

* Shooting (An Iterative Process): As both subject and creator, my shooting process is dynamic rather than a single session. I first establish the background, then capture an initial test shot of myself. After extracting my figure and placing it within the scene, I evaluate the position, perspective, and proportions. Based on this evaluation, I refine my poses and adjust angles repeatedly until everything is in harmony. Additional elements, such as props, are photographed separately to maintain consistency in lighting and perspective. Although I rely on natural light, I focus on refining direction and shadows later in Photoshop rather than achieving perfect lighting during the shoot.While this process is highly structured, I wholeheartedly embrace moments of spontaneous experimentation that often lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs. A good example of this is my image The Wings of Forgetting, where I initially completed the composition before deciding to incorporate an image of my younger self, gazing at the adult version of me. This last-minute addition not only altered the narrative depth of the image but also required me to redo portions of the post-processing to seamlessly integrate the new element.

* Compositing: Once all necessary elements are captured, the real construction begins in Photoshop. I extract, position, and merge different components to create a coherent and immersive scene. This phase demands careful attention to perspective, scale, and spatial depth to maintain realism within the surreal framework. As I arrange the elements, new possibilities emerge—sometimes necessitating reshoots or the abandonment of initial details in favor of a stronger visual or narrative impact.

* Color Grading & Texturing: The image’s atmosphere is established through deliberate color grading and textural refinement. I enhance the visual tone to align with the intended mood—be it melancholic, mysterious, or whimsical. Texture adds depth and realism, transforming the raw composition into a visually cohesive piece. Occasionally, unexpected color interactions or textural effects shift the tone, and I allow the creative flow to guide these adjustments.

* Final Adjustments: In the final stage, I fine-tune every detail to ensure harmony, balance, and emotional impact. I step back to assess whether the image successfully conveys the envisioned story, making minor tweaks or revisiting earlier steps as needed. I welcome these deviations as they often render the final image more powerful than the original vision.

I present this detailed process as a true reflection of my artistic journey - one that is both methodically refined and enriched by moments of unpredictability.
Although technical precision is important, the foundation of my work lies in the conceptual stage - where the true essence of the image emerges. What begins as a structured concept often transforms during creation, shaped by experimentation, technical constraints and spontaneous inspiration.

What is your most important advice to a newcomer to creative editing?

Focus on storytelling rather than technical perfection. Study classic art and literature for inspiration, master Photoshop or similar editing tools to create seamless composites, and develop a unique voice by avoiding trends and creating work that reflects your personal vision.

Who are your favorite photographers, and how have they influenced you?

Many photographers have influenced my artistic journey, particularly those whose work I encountered through workshops and courses. Two stand out:

         ·          Sebastian Michaels:
His approach transformed my perception of Photoshop from a mere editing tool into a true instrument of artistic expression. His Photoshop Artistry course, followed by the advanced AWAKE training, played a crucial role in my transition to digital artistry. Being part of the AWAKE group has been incredibly enriching—I am proud to have published over 70 images in the group’s magazine, Living the Photo Artistic Life. In February 2024, I had the honor of being the featured artist of the magazine, marking a significant milestone in my artistic growth.

         ·            Brooke Shaden:
Her dreamlike, conceptual approach to self-portraiture resonated deeply with me, inspiring me to embrace surreal storytelling and, perhaps most importantly, giving me the permission to explore self-portraiture as my primary medium. Meeting her in person last October at the Promoting Passion Convention 2024 was a privilege, and I look forward to reconnecting with her at PPC 2025 this coming September.

Is there a particular image by another photographer that has really inspired you and why?

There are many images by other digital artists that have inspired me. Unfortunately, I do not have the rights to show them here. I would appreciate guidance on how to properly credit or include them so that I can add the necessary text when time permits.

Are there any specific directions you would like to take your photography in the future?

I hope that the creative flow that guides my self-portraiture will continue to evolve. In the near future, I would like to delve further into creating paradoxical images and compositions that capture the spirit of the literary masterpieces that I hold dear. I also plan to explore visual narratives inspired by ancient mythologies and reinterpret famous sculptures and paintings - transforming myself into the central character within these timeless stories. Alongside this evolution, I aim to expand my international reach. Having had solo exhibitions in Haifa and Karmiel, and with an upcoming show at a prestigious gallery in Tel Aviv, I hope to eventually exhibit my work in the US and Europe.

Describe your favorite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you.

One of my most meaningful images is The Inner Child.

'The Inner Child'

The idea for this piece was sparked by a remark suggesting I behaved childishly—a comment that, while not complimentary, led me to reflect deeply on the true meaning of being a child. This introspection materialized into an image capturing the contrast between youth and adulthood, as well as affirming that the inner child endures despite the passage of time.
In the composition, I appear—as always—as the protagonist. My head is split open like a watermelon, revealing the face of my 13-year-old self beneath a grim, expressionless adult facade. This juxtaposition serves as both a commentary on the passage of time and a reminder that the inner child remains alive within me. On a personal note, some of the happiest moments of my life are spent with my grandchildren. Our shared curiosity and creative joy—exploring Photoshop and AI applications together—embody the timeless essence of The Inner Child.

Is there anything else you wish to add, and what do you think about 1x as a home base for your work?

1x is a truly unique and prestigious platform that upholds the highest standards of artistic photography. Every time I browse through the Awarded and Published sections of the gallery, I am struck by the beauty of the images and the remarkable talent of the photographers. The curated nature of 1x sets it apart and inspires artists to hone their craft, challenge their creative boundaries and strive for excellence. Being part of this community has been both an honour and an invaluable source of artistic growth.