A Symphony of Ages - Swans
Over the course of 2024 I undertook a year long project with Charlotte Bellamy to create a cohesive portfolio of 10 images.
I have long felt labelling myself as a “Landscape” Photographer has restricted me from exploring new possibilities. This project represented a deliberate venture into a different photographic genre, focusing on the interaction of light, shadow, texture and form.
The inspiration came from a strong connection to some images of juvenile swans I captured in 2023. The square crop of this I’ve long been an admirer, simplified the composition whilst B&W further strips away to the distraction of colour, bringing focus to shapes, lines, textures, light and shadows, amplifying the emotional connection to the subject.
Having intended to photograph cygnets I quickly realised there was more to photographing these beautiful creatures. Inspired by “The Ugly Duckling”, a powerful metaphor for the challenges of personal growth and the journey towards self acceptance and belonging, I set out to capture these themes as characterised by “The Age of Innocence”, “The Age of Awareness” and the “Age of Maturity”, selecting a single word to reflect the essence of each collection.
The images featured in an online gallery at the end of the project in December 2024. A Utube video highlighting the work of all course participants can be seen here. Project mentoring group exhibition launch recording - Group 1
A broader set of images can be viewed at the end of the page
Edenic (Age of Innocence)
An idealised state of innocence and purity, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, evoking a sense of the untouched, pristine perfection and an era of unblemished simplicity and harmony.
Juvanesence (Age of Awareness)
The essence of youthfulness and the process of growing up, emphasising the dynamic and transformative nature of this period.
Serpentine (Age of Maturity)
The sinuous flowing and elegant curves that resemble a serpents movement, perfectly capturing the fluid and graceful lines that an adult swan’t neck and body can create.
Other Images captured as part of this project
