That Color!

As I developed my style of photography, I began to wonder what the primary subject of my photography was. Looking to the typical genres and categories, was it nature? Waves? Surf? Landscapes? After more than a decade of shooting, I finally realized what it was.

Its color.

My subject is nature’s colors. Whether it was waves, landscapes, macro photos, throughout the different compositions and focus, my photos were all similar in that the primary portrayal is the color rendition of the image. I’m looking for the most vibrant and lurid colors out in nature: bright pink and purple wildflowers in full bloom, different shades of turquoise blues in crystal clear waters, fiery sunsets and sunsets coupled with contrasting foregrounds. That is what stands out to me and catches my eye. 

Any photographer will tell you that the best colors happen during sunset and sunrise, which is true. Daytime shots are mostly boring and mundane, unless they are of very clear water. The best light at sunrise or sunset may only last a minute or less. If you miss it, you can’t add this color later in photoshop, it just won’t look right. You can also get fascinating colors shooting at night; the camera will bring out colors that aren’t typically seen by the naked eye.

As I experiment with different genres of photography, I still find myself training my eyes in search of the same subject. I could spot a tiny red mushroom half an inch tall in a forest full of redwood duff. I could spot bright purples and magenta wildflowers driving 60mph down a highway. I’m waiting for the 30 seconds of pink alpenglow on the highest peaks. I’m looking for airglow in the night sky. I’m looking for colors. 

April 23, 2022 | Photography & Art