As a lifelong resident of Washington State, my photography journey began as a way to document my outdoor adventures. Over time, it grew into a passion for sharing the experiences and emotions that nature evokes in me. Being in nature is a rejuvenating experience; the soothing sound of the ocean’s waves or the calming flow of running water helps to drown out the world’s distractions. The forest, with its serene ambiance, offers a peaceful retreat, a place of tranquility and calm.
In his book Beauty: A Very Short Introduction, philosopher Roger Scruton captures the multifaceted nature of beauty. He writes, “Beauty can be consoling, disturbing, sacred, profane; it can be exhilarating, appealing, inspiring, chilling. It can affect us in an unlimited variety of ways. Yet it is never viewed with indifference: beauty demands to be noticed; it speaks to us directly like the voice of an intimate friend.” This profound observation resonates with my approach to black-and-white photography, especially when capturing the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.
As a photographer, I strive to evoke the same range of emotions that Scruton describes. My work is not just about capturing a scene; it’s about conveying a sense of place and emotion. For instance, the rugged coastline of the Pacific Northwest can be both exhilarating and chilling, much like Scruton’s description of beauty. The interplay of light and shadow in my black-and-white images aims to highlight these contrasts, drawing the viewer into a deeper contemplation of the natural world.
While I often photograph iconic locations, my joy is discovering and capturing the quiet, overlooked scenes that tell a unique story, each with distinct feelings. My photography is an abstract of reality. Though my images depict real places, they are not mere representations of what one would see standing beside me. Instead, they reflect what I felt in that moment—the emotions, the tranquility, and the connection to the landscape.
Moreover, Scruton’s assertion that beauty demands to be noticed aligns with my artistic philosophy. Each photograph I take is a deliberate attempt to capture the fleeting moments of beauty that nature offers, moments that are ephemeral and must be captured with intention. Whether it’s the mist rising over a forest or the stark silhouette of a mountain against the sky, these moments of beauty are significant and urgent to capture. My black-and-white photography emphasizes the textures and forms that might go unnoticed in a color image, urging the viewer to appreciate the beauty in the details.
Scruton also touches on the idea that our need for beauty is intrinsic to our fulfillment. He writes, “Our need for beauty is not something that we could lack and still be fulfilled as people. It is a need arising from our metaphysical condition, as free individuals, seeking our place in a shared and public world.” This notion is particularly relevant to my work. Through my photography, I seek to create a sense of connection between the viewer and the landscape. By presenting the world in monochrome, I strip away the distractions of color, allowing the viewer to focus on the scene’s essence and feel a part of the landscape.
Scruton’s idea that beauty helps us find our place in the world is a guiding principle in my work. My photographs aim to provide a sense of harmony and belonging in a world that often feels alienating and chaotic. The serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, captured in black and white, offer a moment of respite and reflection. They remind us that, despite the complexities of life, there is beauty to be found in simplicity.
In conclusion, Roger Scruton’s reflections on beauty influenced my approach to black-and-white photography. His insights remind me that beauty is not just something to be seen but something to be felt and experienced. Through my work, I hope to share this experience with others, inviting them to see the world through my lens and find their sense of beauty and belonging.
Further Reading:
The Art of Discovery: On Landscape Photography and Revelations
Capturing the Beauty of Nature: Black and White Landscape Photography in the Pacific Northwest
