We reflect on life along the Nile, waxing nostalgic about ancient features and the more leisurely pace.
In the previous Along the Nile – Living post, I showed a bit of the community aspect of life along the river. This post takes a bit more of a nostalgic look and highlights some specific aspects. There are a number of features that stand out, as we look at the landscape along this longest river.
Here’s one that is rather ubiquitous…
Dovecotes
Dovecotes pop up along the landscape in many places, and have a strong connection with both farming and raising pigeons. They go back to antiquity as a means of addressing the need for manure and having pigeons become a staple in the Egyptian diet.
One of the things that I noticed is that along the river, life doesn’t seem to be as hurried…
Taking Time
It was not unusual to see people taking a moment to observe the Viking Aton, as we sailed by at a gentle pace.
And sometimes we even got a bigger reaction…
Enthusiasm
The lad in the striped shirt came running into the water to share his greetings with us! I figured that it was a slow day for boats that day, as I can’t imagine him doing that on a day when 20-30 boats pass.
Sometimes it felt like we were in a different era…
Olden Times
It was truly nice to unwind a bit and watch the landscape float by.
I hope you enjoyed this more nostalgic look at our journey.
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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