In September 2009, I explored the Harvard Forest in Petersham, Massachusetts, capturing its vibrant colors.
For this week’s edition I’m going back almost 16 years to September of 2009. During a day of exploring the colors of New England and finding interesting spots to photograph, I traversed part of the Harvard Forest in Petersham, Massachusetts.
Let’s take a look at what I captured there…
Harvard Forest Pond
This forest is an ecological research area of about 4000 acres that is managed by Harvard University. There are two major programs that are run on this property. The first is the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program, which is funded by the National Science Foundation to sturdy New England’s natural ecosystem. The second is the National Institute of Global Environmental Change program funded by the United States Department of Energy, which emphasizes the study of physical and biological processes in relation to climate change.
These are key programs to further our understanding of the impact that we’re having on our environment. We can hope that they are not affected by the current set of changes, but I do have concern about that.
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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