Some sort of wood

Project Images

Gallery Overview

Individual Images


Image 1
Bloming Willow. The image that start it all.


Image 2
Roots


Image 3
Some sort of Woods # 2


Image 4
Some sort of Woods


Image 5
Some sort of Woods #3


Image 6
Reflections on the reflex


Image 7
Some Sort of Wood #5


Image 8
Some sort of Wood #4


Image 9
Some sort of Wood #6


Image 10
Some sort of Wood #7


Image 11
Roots (#2)


Image 12
Some sort of wood #8

Project Description

A sort of Wood,
Or what goes on beyond the shadows and reflections?
This project began in 2021 by chance.
I took a photo of some willow flowers in a small pool of water where you could see the reflections of the trunks. I was fascinated by the photo.
It wasn’t until a year later that I had the opportunity to take a similar photo, i.e. with the same theme - although at the time I didn’t even know there was a theme - and since then I’ve returned to the theme again and again.
And what is a theme? The theme is the inversion of reality. What is real? What is in the water or what is reflected in the water? And are the two compatible? And if we invert the reflections, do they become reality?
Some of the photographs presented are composites; some have Focus Stacking to highlight both the reflections and the surface of the water; some have polarized parts and some don’t - digital composites; some have simply been inverted. Most have small cloned elements.
Some images were already in my portfolio and make sense to be here, most were made on purpose for this theme.

Self Critique

I like the possibilities that the project presents; to be explored.

Creative Direction

I just want to show my vision of the possibilities that a forest presents when seen in a reflection or in any other non-linear way.

Specific Feedback

Emotional

Intent of the project

Gallery Exhibition

Alternate Images

Please provide feedback on whether any of these images would fit more cohesively in the project.


Alternate Image 1


Alternate Image 2

2 Likes

These are all really lovely, João. I think since you are looking to present the forest in a non-linear or somewhat non-representational, way there are a couple of images that feel very obvious.

For me those would be #11 for sure, and to a lesser extent #2 and #6. Also, neither of the alternates work for me.

That leaves 100% reflection images. Maybe you do need a couple context images, though (thinking out loud here - I’m not sure). If you wanted the context images, I’d include #3 and alternative #1. Those two have more of the same feeling as the full reflection shots (softer, more impressionistic).

It’s a great series!

Hi Bonnie,
thank you very much for taking the time to look at the photos and for your comment.
Two small (explanatory) notes; I agree that images #2 #6 and #11 are different but they are there exactly so that they are not just reflections.
I think that the images cited, which I think are within the theme, help and give new directions to the project.
Thanks again for your time.

1 Like

Very late to reply but did want to share my appreciation for your work on this. Your photographs are always very sensitive and carefully seen. I do agree with @Bonnie_Lampley about #2, #6, and #11 but if your intention is to keep going and expand this project into a broader and deeper exploration then all I can say is, keep going and I can’t wait to see where you take it (or it takes you)!