The WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge has the theme of Structure, which has made me very happy, as there is lots of structure in Nature and the world around us.
Yesterday’s post focused on the structure of a cabbage, as it grows and produces fractal geometries. Today, I’m going back to a leaf structure, but very different from the first in this series. Whereas the first leaf showed off the strength of support structures, this one is all about using fan-folding as a means of providing rigidity.
Here’s that incredible fan, as it radiates out…
Fantasm
This leaf is simple in its construction, filled with elegance and truly minimalistic, yet incredibly strong.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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17 thoughts on “Fan-tastic Structures”
I completely agree with your description of the lead. It’s intricate design is absolutely breathtaking! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I completely agree with your description of the lead. It’s intricate design is absolutely breathtaking! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you most kindly!
Very interesting
Thank you!
Thank you!
Beautiful. You can almost feel the center pulsing and the fan moving.
Thank you, Marie! The structure of plants never ceases to intrigue me.
Awesome shot!
Thank you!
Beautiful pic! Good choice for the challenge
Thank you!
Incredible nature. Incredible capture Frank 🙂
Thank you, Judith!
That is a nice green fan shape with the orange radiating from the center.
Thank you, Frank!