Today’s exploration covered the remarkable sites of Saqqara and Giza, famous for their pyramids. A view of the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.
Today’s stops were the amazing sites of Saqqara and Giza, both know for their pyramids. The Saqqara location is truly outstanding, as it has access to a couple of tombs with amazing hieroglyphs and decorations. Not to be overlooked are the tomb of Kagemni, a vizier under pharaoh Teti, and the tomb of Teti. The latter is under a crumbled step-pyramid, where the burial chamber is accessible through a rather confining underground passage. Lots more to be feature about the Saqqara complex.
Today, let’s take a look at the rather well-known pyramids at Giza…
Giza Plateau Pyramids
In this image you can see the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure from left to right. Each of these are imposing structures within their own right, and seeing all of them together is magnificent with Greater Cairo in the background.
The Giza site is incredibly busy, as it is the biggest magnet for pyramid enthusiasts; Saqqara was not as busy and for my money more enjoyable!
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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