Uprooted, Cumbria, April 2008The wind is an important part of the natural process. It probably has the power to be one of the most destructive forces. We feel its effect every time we step outside. We see the results of its work in erosion, fallen trees or great waves. And yet there is no direct way to capture it in a photograph.
I want to capture more than just the aftermath, although that will be part of it. I shall have to find ways to introduce the concept of motion into images. Swaying trees are fine, but what about sand blowing across a beach? How to differentiate between a gentle breeze and a howling gale? These are technical and artistic challenges. Getting a technique right will open all manner of artistic possibilities in capturing motion.
I want to show both time elements in the process of the wind, the short term storm effect and the longer term patient erosion. And in there must surely be more than destruction for wind moves the clouds that bring the water and the fresh oxygen that bring life. All concepts that are hard to show in a static image.
I can but try. This will likely take time.
As a physicist and outdoor enthusiast myself, I very much appreciate your project and look forward to watching it develop. Seeing your photographs from a "processes of nature" perspective brings forward a strong element of story, which is lost when people view nature photographs as merely static scenes.
ReplyDeleteCapturing the wind is quite a challenge. The best conditions for me have been when it's snowing, the strength of the wind being reflected in streak length and angle. Of course, falling snowflakes against a snowy background don't show up too well!
Thanks for the encouraging words. You've got to the heart of what I'm trying to develop here - more of a story beyond the static scene depicted.
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