Your topic is very familiar to me and I think, understandably, you don't entirely trust yourself. That is to say, that you don't trust in the photos you are taking to do all the heavy lifting. No commentary is needed unless it is deliberately part of a story, like going deep into a forest to meet the trees, sit with them and listen to their story. Which is exactly what I did. I am not remotely religious but there is something deeply moving about trees and their environment and yes, spiritual. This is their home. We are an intruder. I was camping in a nearby range, in spring when heavy mists are common. I had packed up and set off to return home. I was deep in a forest of eucalyptus and there was not a breath of air. I descended a gentle slope. The ground was wet and ahead lay a stream that crossed the road. I stopped and watched the road beyond the stream disappear into the mist. As it did, to the right, a giant loomed. I got out with my camera, a mono 246 Leica and walked towards this giant, crossing the stream as I did. And then something riveting happened causing me to stop. On my right, emerging as the mist shifted, was the most beautiful and graceful towering tree. It took my breath away. In that moment, something dawned on me that made me lower my camera. I had taken it for granted that as a photographer, I was the observer but I became overwhelmed with and understanding that it was the other way round - I was the observed. It might sound corny but as I gently drew breath in the warm mist, I asked the trees if they would grant me permission to take their picture. What followed was a series of pictures taken here and elsewhere that were dream like, compelling and magical and I had not idea of plan to make this happen. I went on to develop a unique way of processing these images such that they look like silver gelatin prints. So the story was compelling and is to this day. That story was co created. Unless I am wrong, I understand that this is exactly what you are pursuing and from what you show, you are absolutely on the right track.
I really appreciate the insightful comment. The experience you shared seems otherworldly (and extremely well-described). I can only imagine the impact that had on your prints. You've made me think of additional elements of what it means to be in nature and the opportunities of a story. I wish everyone would think of nature this way, so we don't lose this precious gift. And you're right, I am not 100% confident in the photos carrying their weight, but it sure is a fun journey to try and get there. Thanks again for the comment, I truly appreciate it.
Your topic is very familiar to me and I think, understandably, you don't entirely trust yourself. That is to say, that you don't trust in the photos you are taking to do all the heavy lifting. No commentary is needed unless it is deliberately part of a story, like going deep into a forest to meet the trees, sit with them and listen to their story. Which is exactly what I did. I am not remotely religious but there is something deeply moving about trees and their environment and yes, spiritual. This is their home. We are an intruder. I was camping in a nearby range, in spring when heavy mists are common. I had packed up and set off to return home. I was deep in a forest of eucalyptus and there was not a breath of air. I descended a gentle slope. The ground was wet and ahead lay a stream that crossed the road. I stopped and watched the road beyond the stream disappear into the mist. As it did, to the right, a giant loomed. I got out with my camera, a mono 246 Leica and walked towards this giant, crossing the stream as I did. And then something riveting happened causing me to stop. On my right, emerging as the mist shifted, was the most beautiful and graceful towering tree. It took my breath away. In that moment, something dawned on me that made me lower my camera. I had taken it for granted that as a photographer, I was the observer but I became overwhelmed with and understanding that it was the other way round - I was the observed. It might sound corny but as I gently drew breath in the warm mist, I asked the trees if they would grant me permission to take their picture. What followed was a series of pictures taken here and elsewhere that were dream like, compelling and magical and I had not idea of plan to make this happen. I went on to develop a unique way of processing these images such that they look like silver gelatin prints. So the story was compelling and is to this day. That story was co created. Unless I am wrong, I understand that this is exactly what you are pursuing and from what you show, you are absolutely on the right track.
I really appreciate the insightful comment. The experience you shared seems otherworldly (and extremely well-described). I can only imagine the impact that had on your prints. You've made me think of additional elements of what it means to be in nature and the opportunities of a story. I wish everyone would think of nature this way, so we don't lose this precious gift. And you're right, I am not 100% confident in the photos carrying their weight, but it sure is a fun journey to try and get there. Thanks again for the comment, I truly appreciate it.