Nature is the Source of my Photographic Inspiration
Nature inspires me to create. I continue to be amazed by the richness of the landscapes surrounding us when I walk, as well as the diversity of the seascapes enveloping us when I dive. For me, it is through observation, appreciation, and respect for the wonders of nature that enables me to view each morning as the beginning of the first day of the rest of my life.
I believe that contemplation of the wonders of nature has the power to nourish and unify all human beings. I strive to create artistic photographs that connect us to the emotions and perceptions that cannot be regularly accessed in our daily lives.
Inspired by the Wonders of Nature
It is in the contemplation of nature that I find the inspiration to create my photographs.
For me, photography is first and foremost, a process of research and discovery.
- It is the search for the right scene for my camera to record.
- It is the discovery of a magical moment where I look at the captured scene on a camera, or even better, on a computer screen. It is at this precise moment, when the picture appears to me, that I feel true emotion, which is a gift of photography.
When I look at my photographs on a screen or on paper, my eyes are focused on the essentials; for example, the framing I have chosen. My eyes are no longer disturbed by the elements outside of the scene.
It is at this precise moment that I can measure the beauty of nature’s blessings to me.
It is also at this moment that I measure the fragility of nature. It shows me the need to respect and nourish it.
This is how I envision my passion for the wonders of nature.
Creating Extraordinary with Ordinary
In my photographs of nature, I always strive to show the ordinary in an extraordinary way.
I am sure that the extraordinary can be present in my garden. I do not have to travel far to observe and photograph the wonders of nature.
The inspiration sometimes stems from a simple landscape or a common animal. All it takes for me to capture the extraordinary is a tree, a forest, or a meadow where light occurs. It is enough for an ordinary animal to have an expression or an evocative attitude. It only takes a single magical moment to inspire me.
I do not have to go far. I merely need to know how to look and dream, so that my imagination might paint in my minds the photograph I wish to create.
To be inspired by nature, you simply need to know how to appreciate life every day. I usually say that every morning must be tasted with delight and that it is the beginning of a new life.
I believe that it is not possible to magnify something I do not believe in. Even if the inspiration comes from the observation of the wonders of nature, I also look for it in other artistic forms. I love painting, sculpture, drawing, architecture, and music. I seek ideas to express myself in all forms of art.
Creating Artistic Photographic of Nature
My compositions, my framings, and each photographic element I choose means something. I never leave anything to chance. Everything I build has meaning. Everything must be scrutinized. Colors, gradients, shapes, and symbolism affect not only the conscious but also the subconscious.
Carefully choosing the elements to trigger reactions in the subconscious can generate powerful responses to our photographs. It is for this reason that I observe nature. I strive to appeal to the essence of our viewers, to affect their life force within.
The creation of a beautiful photographic work of nature requires vast preparation, whether in the field or during the developmental phase. I study light, colors, the foreground, the background, and the negative space. Once I mentally determine all the photographic elements to relate to, I focus on determining the reinforced elements to improve the reading of the image. I also look for the attributes of each element. Then I carefully choose the point of view to obtain the best composition and the most effective framing to convey my message.
Photography requires patience and time. Only preparation, waiting, and self-sacrifice can produce an interesting creative result.
Nature allows us to create symbolic works. I like to associate anthropomorphic symbols with the scenes I photograph. Nature is not only aesthetic, but it becomes a medium for transmitting messages.
Simplicity is at the Heart of My Work
I like simplicity in my photographs. Nature is simple. She is direct. It is for this reason that I do not like to use complicated material when setting up our many assistants for a scene.
I like ethereal, dreamlike, and evocative atmospheres with a strong symbolic power. I always choose our scenes as they arise. I enjoy being surprised. Then I capture the long-awaited moment.
A Long-term Job
It is not enough to be inspired by the wonders of nature when creating interesting photographic works. This is a necessary condition, but it is not enough.
My artistic work is based on the recognition of places, the knowledge of animal behaviors, and the control of light. But it is also based on repetition. Nature is changing. No scene is ever the same twice. Before creating a good artistic photo, I often travel to the same location again and again.
I used to say that I only photograph well that which I know well. A photographic work is never the result of chance. I strive to capture unusual and unique scenes from those already made by other photographers. I enjoy presenting images in a new perspective. Often, I am lucky. But I am opportunist. I try to always create the necessary conditions for luck to arise. I resolve to meet fortune in an open surrounding. I often say that without luck, I would not have encountered the success I know today.
Technique is Necessary
Technique is a necessary element to create photographic art works of nature. But it is not enough. When customers buy my works to hang on walls, they are primarily affected by the emotions they feel watching them.
Each art work meets its audience. Each person is affected differently. It's not the technique that interests buyers. They do not dwell on the choice of depth of field or the management of negative space. Only the emotional side makes them buy the art print.
It took a lot of time and experience for me to understand that nature was my source of inspiration. I spent a lot of time and energy to define my creative approach. Nature gave me maturity and the experience to understand why I am on the earth.
Nature has provided me with the meaning to my life. It is for this reason that in my photographs, my essential take-away is the meaning I give to my viewers. This is more important than the technique. That is what makes my photographs exceptional.
The Foundations of My Life
The contemplation of nature has not only inspired me with my photographic art works but has allowed me to build the true foundations of my existence.
My values come from my observations and the symbiosis I feel when I contemplate the landscape or observe the animal world on land or underwater.
Finally
By photographing nature, I learned the basics. Everything is in my garden. I only need to know how to look and appreciate what I observe through the lens of a camera. I know how to extract the important from any situation or scene that may arise. It is not necessary to go to the end of the world to find the extraordinary, it can be found in the ordinary.
This is also true for the relationships I have with other people. I have learned to be patient, to listen, and to develop empathy. I have learned how to recognize when my relationships are sincere and true. Sometimes, the most extraordinary of people may at first appear to be ordinary.
I owe everything to nature.
