The waves and layers of rock in this image seem to create their own sense of movement, almost as though the volcanic basalt at Flinders Blowhole, Cape Schanck, is flowing rather than standing still. The textures rise and fall like frozen waves, giving the rock an unexpected rhythm and a sense of motion.
Recently, I received some thoughtful feedback from an old acquaintance about my photography blogs. He suggested that perhaps I should start thinking in terms of smaller, more focused projects rather than always trying to photograph the landscape as a whole.
The idea has stayed with me.
Photography has always been something I can become slightly obsessed with—perhaps a particular kind of wave motion in the ocean, the way water threads itself through rocks, or the old fascination I once had with searching for abandoned sea caves and photographing their entrances from the inside looking out. These little obsessions seem to give my photography a purpose beyond simply finding another beautiful landscape.
Perhaps that is what I need now: small projects with very narrow themes, enough to stimulate the creative part of my brain again. After all, I have spent decades photographing Victoria's landscapes. I know many of these places almost too well. I have returned to the same coastlines, rocks, beaches and forests so many times that sometimes I wonder whether I am discovering anything new—or merely revisiting what I already know.
Maybe the answer is not to keep looking for bigger landscapes, but to look more closely.
A micro project can begin with something almost ridiculously specific: a particular form of wave movement, a certain texture in basalt, forgotten entrances to sea caves, weathered concrete, or the strange relationship between water and rock. The subject itself may be tiny, but the possibilities within it can be surprisingly deep.
And that is what appeals to me about this photograph. At first glance, it is simply a piece of volcanic rock at Cape Schanck. Yet I have never really seen another photograph from this particular location that explores the rocks in quite this way. It is not the iconic Flinders Blowhole that I am photographing, but a small, overlooked detail within a place I have visited many times.
Perhaps this is where my photography needs to go next.
Not necessarily farther, but deeper.
After decades of photographing the landscape, perhaps it is time to stop trying to photograph everything—and start becoming obsessed with something very small.
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I think “not necessarily further, but deeper” is a wonderful way of describing this new direction in your photography.
ReplyDeleteAfter photographing the same landscapes for many years, perhaps familiarity does not mean that there is nothing new left to discover. It may simply mean that the eye has to become more selective. Instead of asking what else there is to photograph, you begin asking what you have not really looked at closely enough before.
This photograph is a very good example. Without knowing the location, I might not even have thought of it simply as rock. There is so much movement in those layers and textures that they almost seem to continue the movement of the water.
I also like the idea of your small, very specific projects. Sea cave entrances, the meeting of water and rock, particular wave patterns or weathered surfaces could each tell a story of their own. Sometimes narrowing the view actually opens up more possibilities.
Perhaps after all those years of photographing landscapes, you are not running out of subjects at all. You are simply beginning to see them differently.
Warm greetings,
Your photo has achieved success showing the way the water from waves runs back into the ocean from these rocks. You have always been the master of soft evening light. Best luck focusing on the deeper details of these landscapes.
ReplyDeleteMuy interesante esa fotografía marina con esa toma lenta que produce el efecto seda.
ReplyDeleteInteresting suggestion from your friend. As for me I love seeing the whole area. Have a nice day today.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful photo
ReplyDeleteAixí com flueix l'aigua entre elles, sembla com un conjunt de fonts que brollen al mateix ritme.
ReplyDeleteSalutacions!
It can be a lot of fun trying to focus on details sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI love how you are approaching this. And it makes sense. I think we all get into -- well, not a rut, but a pattern. And there's nothing wrong with that or shooting the things you love (or drawing the same kind of scene or reading the same book or making the same dinner.) But when we start to really look more deeply, it does bring a depth of personal perspective that can help us grow. I'll look forward to this part of your journey.
ReplyDeleteWell, you can do both! Landscape and macro. I have seen your very smell images, they are breathtaking. Thinking of the mushrooms and other ones.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely photograph.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
La enorme fuera del mar, detenido por ese efecto seda.
ReplyDeleteAnother fabulous image!!!
ReplyDeleteUna imagen realmente impresionante.
ReplyDeleteMuy buen trabajo.
Saludos.
Lovely photo and beautiful colours. Sometimes a change in direction in photography is good if you have the time and so on.
ReplyDeleteWe all have our own way of seeing and appreciating the world but sometimes we haven’t investigated in a certain way yet. My photo friend mostly just looks at the ground for interesting abstracts, but I probably should say ‘mostly’ but maybe ‘often’.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great movement of water with that unmovable rock. Indeed fantastic shot again. Applause
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see what you explore.
ReplyDeleteLa larga exposición ha embellecido aun mas esa imagen.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.
Such beauty in your photos, well done.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Your photography is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous day and rest of the week. ☺
Wonderful !
ReplyDeleteStunning view
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful photo. Whatever you decide to photograph next, I will be here waiting to see your talent at work. Thank you for linking up!
ReplyDeleteEstá muy bonita. Besos.
ReplyDelete