Karl Herrmann csc Color Panoramics www.natureseries.ca
T
his is a collection of images that honor the pristine, exceptional beauty of Nature. It is a celebration of those breath taking moments in time, when all the visual magic of Nature reaches its zenith, and we can but stand in awe. A ray of sunlight bursting through a stormy sky, a collection of shadows revealing extraordinary shapes unseen minutes earlier, windstorms that come up for only a moment and magically die out immediately after the image is recorded. Many of these images exist only as a single image because the moment was so magic, so fleeting. These are not my pictures, they are ours, they are moments we all share. We are all participants in this, the grandest show of all - Nature.
And then the whisper, ever so quietly says in its most playful way, “Trust me.” These two simple words hold the power.
Every image presented here has come about because I’ve learned to listen to the little guiding voice within. It usually starts softly, quietly suggesting the way. When ignored, it becomes louder, more determined. Like a small child, it wants action, some kind of action... and now! “Trust me”, it’ll whisper. “Go!” “get in the car.” “Don’t think, just drive.” “Be.”
Every photograph is a testament to the voice of Nature that has whispered to me, guided me, cause me to turn around, at times drive completely in the opposite direction. This quiet truthful voice has led me to hidden secrets, unveiled the most spectacular and revealing light shows. It has also said, “Go home. It is not the time.” It’s the voice I’ve learned to follow. Karl Herrmann
When the voice speaks, I’ve learned to listen.These simple words have changed my life. When I embrace them, I am afforded a magic window into Nature itself. Remarkably, the voice speaks every day. It speaks at work. It speaks in play. Often, however, it is overpowered by our obsession with “important matters”. Refocus yourself. Listen to the voice. It is you. It is Nature speaking to you. It is your direct ancestral link to the earth. it is who you are.
Canadian Cinematographer - March 2010 •
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