Xavi Bou uses an antique photo technique to freeze birds in flight

2 minute read
Published 5:57 AM EDT, Mon September 5, 2016
The otherworldly photographs of Xavi Bou recast birds of Europe as alien-like creatures. Using chronophotography, a technique developed in the mid-nineteenth century, the Spanish photographer creates composite images from hundreds of frames, transforming the delicate flight of birds into beguiling, apparently solid objects. Scroll through to see more of Bou's experimental work.<br /><br /><strong>Pictured: </strong>Ornitographie 16#: <em>Larus audouinii</em>, Audouin's gull, Ebro delta, Catalonia
The otherworldly photographs of Xavi Bou recast birds of Europe as alien-like creatures. Using chronophotography, a technique developed in the mid-nineteenth century, the Spanish photographer creates composite images from hundreds of frames, transforming the delicate flight of birds into beguiling, apparently solid objects. Scroll through to see more of Bou's experimental work.

Pictured: Ornitographie 16#: Larus audouinii, Audouin's gull, Ebro delta, Catalonia
Xavi Bou
Ornitographie 19#: <em>Apus melba</em>, alpine swift, Llobregat Delta, Catalonia
Ornitographie 19#: Apus melba, alpine swift, Llobregat Delta, Catalonia
Xavi Bou
Ornitographie 06#: <em>Ciconia ciconia</em>, white stork, swamp of Empordà, Catalonia
Ornitographie 06#: Ciconia ciconia, white stork, swamp of Empordà, Catalonia
Xavi Bou