Magic comes in all forms. Sure, it might be difficult to find real world examples of the kinds of magic many love to see in their favorite books, but there’s something special about conjuring up fantastical creations using mundane means. If that’s all it takes to be magical, then this photographer is clearly a powerful witch who could rivalHarry Potter’s Minerva McGonagall herself.
The photographer, under the username Alexandria’s Lens, transfigures pictures of her and her family into imaginative works of otherworldly delight. Deliberately staging photos in various outdoor locations, she then uses a variety of technological tricks to create digital dreamscapes based onHarry Potterand other mystical properties. While her methods may remain rooted in reality, the results seem positively supernatural. Hey, ifThe Mandaloriancan use groundbreaking techto create a galaxy far, far away with just a big screen, this isn’t that far-fetched.
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FromHarry PottertoPeter Panand even a bit ofAlice in Wonderland, Alexandria has a real knack for capturing what makes these stories so endearing to readers and viewers. One image may depict several of her kids flying onbroomsticks in a thrilling game of quidditch, while another might sport a moody atmosphere as another casts a spell to summon a Patronus. Of course, she includes herself and her husband as well, such as in one shot that depicts the whole family in Weasley-style sweaters.
In many cases, her adjustments involve simple tweaks to givethe illusion of flightor the flourish of a conjured spell, and that tends to be all it takes. A number of her posts on Instagram feature “making of” videos that detail her process, including both the physical and technological aspect. The ideas are so deceptively simple that she even posts tutorials for fans to create similar works of magic for themselves.
Everyone seems to have to make their own entertainment these days (like perhapscreating an entireStar Warswebcomic), but luckily for Alexandria and her lens, that entertainment seems to also be a way of life. The rest of her family seem to be having a wonderful time, whether they’re mostly humoring the idea or genuinely engaged in the whole process. So, good on them for being able to keep things interesting in a time where social isolation is all but required.
Some may still have a bad taste in their mouths regardingHarry Potter, due toauthor J.K. Rowling’s sustained outspoken anti-trans sentiments, and that’s a valid position to have. Trans rights are human rights, after all. Still, it’s possible to acknowledge her harmful views without losing what makesHarry Potterso special and important to so many people. Either way, enjoyment should be found wherever it can linger, and as long as that enjoyment isn’t hurting anyone else, it’s a solid idea. So get those cameras out and go make some magic.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stonein now available on Amazon Prime Video.
