Darker, surreal themes can often lead to some really interesting photo manipulations, as stylistically artist’s can stray into genres such as gothic, horror, the macabre and violence. Not the most pleasant themes for sure, but they can result in some very emotive, engaging pieces of art.

Photo manipulation is the ideal technique to work with dark, surreal subject matters, as everyday images can be warped and changed into something grotesque or unusual. For this type of composition regular scenes are also often manipulated to look darker or more menacing.

Common themes and images in dark and surreal photo manipulations include gothic feminine beauties, mist/fog, death/loss, nighttime, psychological stress/angst, falling, scenes that defy the laws of physics and personal contemplation/reflection.

As you can see from these themes and motifs dark and surreal photo manipulations are often about more than just looking attractive. They cover a wide range of serious matters, emotions and themes; and it’s up to the artist to capture them elegantly.

Today we present 40 stunning examples of dark and surreal photo manipulation art. We hope that they inspire you to try your own designs and venture into this genre.

Dark and Surreal Photo Manipulations

Fire Within Me by freaky665

Chronoscape – thundersnow by alexiuss

Noumeno by Blekotakra

Vampire Queen by Pygar

Acrimony by alexiuss

Hidden Intentions by freaky665

Symphony of Destruction by lady-symphonia

Mysteria by red-riding

Last Exit by OmeN2501

The Gathering by immanuel

I get what I deserve by freaky665

60568 by kubicki

The Laws of the Future by lady-symphonia

When a Part of Me Dies by lady-symphonia

Nocturna by lady-symphonia

The Awakening by freaky665

Dracula’s Bride Modern Edition by mary-petroff

Compagnia by Blekotakra

The Three Sisters by lady-symphonia

What shall we die for? by Azdup

If death is the end… by freaky665

Cradle of Filth art002 by NatalieShau

Night Butterfly by Wishmistress

Isolation by Wishmistress

A r a c h n i A by J-u-d-a-s

Tears of stone III: In memoriam by aphostol

Confessions by lady-symphonia

Egg Island by djajakarta

E x i l e by aphostol

Neil Gaiman’s Death III by hoschie

Porcelain Splinter by conzpiracy

Hecate by mari-na

Meme La Nuit Est Seule by valse-des-ombres

Harmony… by J-u-d-a-s

Nightshift by J-u-d-a-s

Corrupt by Taborda08

Intersection by robcherry

Artefact by Guivre1580

My Metallic Sonata by Wishmistress

What Do You Think?

I hope that you enjoyed this article. Did you have any favorite photo manipulations from this collection? Perhaps a favorite theme that jumped out at you within this genre? Let us know in the comments below and we can get a discussion going!

(rb)