Behind the Image: Surreal Self-Portrait Dalí Inspired art

Blending Photography, Texture, and Dreamlike Distortion

A layered self-portrait influenced by Salvador Dalí’s “Soft Self-Portrait with fried bacon”.

Some images aren’t planned — they’re felt. This surreal self-portrait emerged from a mix of influences: the main one being the surrealist genius of Salvador Dalí. I started with the image “soft self portrait with fried bacon”. The result is a visual piece that straddles the line between identity, distortion, and discomfort — a personal interpretation of how we hold ourselves together and what we present to the world.

The Creative Process

This piece was crafted entirely in Photoshop using multiple photographs of my own face and hands. I didn’t set out with a strict blueprint. Instead, I let the concept evolve organically, beginning with a central emotion: tension. From there, I shot various images — different expressions, hand positions, angles — to use as building blocks.

Once in Photoshop, I began layering these images, carefully masking out specific parts of each to sculpt a new, singular form. The hand gripping the face isn’t just a visual choice — it’s symbolic of internal pressure, silence, or even self-restraint. The exaggerated eye and contorted wink push the image further into the realm of surreal discomfort.

Dali inspired Texture & Tone

The intense red and orange textures were created using overlays and blending modes. I wanted the image to feel as if it was burned into the surface, echoing the oily, crispy detail of bacon — which was part of the inspiration not just in tone, but in texture and emotional association.

The outer burnished edge acts almost like a frame, giving the piece a psychological heat — like the viewer is peering into a mind mid-melt. This was key to capturing that Dalí-inspired feel: the illusion of skin, identity, and reality warping under pressure.

Inspiration Sources

• Salvador Dalí’s “Soft Self-Portrait with Fried Bacon”: A surrealist masterpiece that plays with the idea of self-image as malleable, absurd, and disturbing. I borrowed from this concept heavily — especially the idea of a face as something both familiar and deformed.

Conclusion

This image is less about realism and more about emotion, symbolism, and subconscious shape. It was a joy to make — like sculpting with pixels and raw thought. It reminds me why I love using photography not just to capture what’s in front of me, but what’s inside me.

If you’re into surreal digital composites, or want to see more explorations in texture and identity, stay tuned. I’m currently working on a series exploring dream states, fear, and distortion through the human form.

📩 Want to collaborate or feature surreal photography on your project? Get in touch here →

Sara Sadler

Photographer

I am a fine art photographer based in the South of England. I enjoy sharing my photographic adventures, hints and tips.

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sarasadlerphotography.co.uk