Ronen Goldman

I’m Ronen Goldman, a Commercial and Fine Art photographer based in Tel Aviv, Israel. For a while I was most known for my “Surrealistic Pillow Project” – a personal project I have been working on for the past ten years.

I created a series of images, all shot on location, of various surreal and dreamy stories condensed into a single image.

The series is exhibited around the world, so far has been to Singapore, Amsterdam, London, Brussels and currently on display at the International Convention Centre in Jerusalem.

This series really advanced my understanding of complex techniques and gear, but more importantly developed my specific style and vision, which got advertisers and commercial clients interested in working with me.

I started out with a Canon Rebel 350D and a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens. With time I realized that if I’m going to make successful Fine Art large prints, I’m going to need a better camera.

I moved on to the Canon 5D MarkII, and later to the Canon 5DMarkIII. I also obtained some prime lenses, like the magnificent “Best-For-Almost-anything” Canon 50mm f/1.2L and the underrated Canon 85mm f/1.8.

When capturing large scenes I like to get close, but also have enough room to incorporate some of the surroundings to tell a more compelling and full story. When that’s the case, the Canon 50mm f/1.2 isn’t wide enough so I use my trusty Canon 16-35mm 2.8L, my only non-prime lens.

For the past few years I have been moving into medium format film, both for the large and beautiful prints, and also for that undefined unique ‘look’ that I can always recognize, but can’t exactly define. Probably the mixture of the bokeh, tones and colors that only medium format film produces.

I love the Mamiya rz67ii with its Mamiya 110mm f/2.8 lens when I want to use artificial lighting, and get in super close.

My favorite camera without a doubt is the Pentax 67ii with the magical and legendary Pentax 105mm f/2.4 lens. When used correctly, the images from this combo look like no other. The only thing, tragically is that it only syncs at 1/30 Sec, which makes it very difficult to use with strobes.

Also pictured in my gear shot is a human brain (W/Skull 1.0). I find that almost all my ideas come from this piece of gear. Sometimes it is overlooked for shinier, more polished objects, but at end of the day, all that other stuff doesn’t really make a difference if you don’t have vision and style. Try to invest in that thing, first.

I use a Sekonic l-308s Lightmeter and an Elinchrom Rotalux Octobox for flattering everything. My favorite film stock is Kodak Portra 400 and Ilford HP5.

For lighting, I use the Godox AD360II for their high power and portability, the Godox V860II for smaller spaces, a Gitzo Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod GT1542T and a specialty tripod head for creating VR and 360° stitched photos.

Finally, not pictured here but with a huge place in my heart are the camera bags that help me get to and from locations with ease. THINKTANK!

When I need to bring EVERYTHING – Think Tank Production Manager 40.

When I need to bring most things, but also need to be quick – Think Tank Airport Takeoff.

When I need to bring more things along with the Think Tank Takeoff, but need to be portable – Think Tank Retrospective.

When I need to bring only my camera and maybe another lens – Think Tank Hubba Hubba Hiney (Really? That’s the name? Yes! great bag).

www.ronengoldman.com | @ronengoldman

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