On Good Friday, 2020 I received an email asking if I would be interested in providing four landscape shots for a mini portfolio feature in May's issue of NZ Photographer Magazine. Needless to say I was pretty excited, but what images to choose? I settled on ones that I had taken recently as I was learning more about the use of ND filters. You can view the feature in the magazine at this link or read it below.
Mini Portfolio Feature - Ebbs and Flows
Bio
Photography is a meditation for me. Immersing myself in the natural landscape brings me to the present moment. It encourages me to focus on what is in front of me and the feelings and emotions I experience. In my formative years, I recall being disappointed with my photos - they didn’t capture the feelings I had about what I was seeing. My ongoing quest is to hone my craft to a point where I can satisfyingly convey, visually and creatively, the emotional experiences I have when in the landscape.
Series Description
Long exposure photography aligns neatly with the meditative approach I bring to my landscape photography. You have to slow down, you have to be patient and you have to be present in the moment to adjust responsively to the constantly changing light. The technique allows scenes to be simplified, unnecessary details to be smoothed out, leaving only those elements the photographer wants to remain.
Over the last year, I have been exploring the creative possibilities of ND filters in my long exposure landscape photography. These images are a selection from that journey so far. Using the local coastline as subject matter provided ample opportunity to work out the mechanics of the exposure triangle (a mathematical conundrum - thank goodness for phone apps!) and to explore a range of creative effects. All the images were created at sunrise and speak to me about the ebbs and flows of life, hope, direction, optimism, beauty, serenity, calm and peace. We are so lucky in New Zealand to have the diverse and magnificent landscape environments that we do. It is a great place to rebalance and it is good for your soul!
If you would like to see the larger versions of the images click on the ones below.
