The recent snowfall inspired reflections on nature’s resilience, highlighting a past photograph of a mill in Northbridge, Massachusetts, overtaken by vegetation.
My inspiration for this week is the snowfall that we had over the past weekend. Even though it was just a couple of inches, it made for a tricky driveway clean up, as it was wet and heavy snow. In my search for some more snow-inspired images, I went back to a number of New England mills that I photographed over the years.
In 2009, I came across this during a February day…
Frosted Mills
This detail from one the buildings in Northbridge, Massachusetts, just caught my eye with its takeover by Nature in multiple ways. Vegetation knows how to take over any area that is not tended by us, humans. It leads the unstoppable advance that will take place no matter what.
Let’s embrace Nature and nurture her, as she inevitably embraces us.
This is my mid-week contribution to the Monday Window thread, a creation of Ludwig Keck. To read more about Ludwig, check this page.
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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I found it interesting for exactly that reason. The vines helped trap the wind-blown snow to get this effect. These old mills make for interesting subject matter.
It’s a wonder you could find the window Frank
Brian, there’s nothing like wading through the snow to find a hidden gem 🙂
Cheers!
THat window is almost covered with snow – Usually I see that only on cars. The vines probably hide it during the warm part of the year. Neat!
Thank you!
I found it interesting for exactly that reason. The vines helped trap the wind-blown snow to get this effect. These old mills make for interesting subject matter.
Have a great day!