Subtle

China 2005,  Yunnan Province.

We gathered on the top of the mountain. Below us were the famed rice terraces of Yunnan. We couldn’t see them, though. The fog was too thick. I’d never photographed in fog and I was shooting film. I had no idea if my camera settings were correct or not. Luckily, one of the other tour members let me look at his LCD screen and gave me his settings.  It was then that the idea of going digital was born in my head.

I’m not sure I like this much fog in my photo. I’ve seen photos where the fog is more like a sheer veil revealing trees or a lake or a swan in a visually seductive (because it is different) way. My fog was so thick that it didn’t reveal anything except more fog. There are a few trees on the bottom right hand corner and if you look carefully, you’ll see some terrace rows. Perhaps it does have a certain “Chinese Brushstroke Painting” look. A less is more thing, you think?

The Red Earth

 This is Yunnan’s red earth country. The soil was a bright red, similar to fields in South Carolina where I grew up. Some of the fields were planted in canola and the bright yellow blossoms contrasted with the plowed red earth and the green of another crop…maybe winter wheat.

The day was overcast but here at the top of the mountain it was clear. The clouds were below, just beginning to fill in the gap between the mountains. Now and then the clouds would let the sun shine through and our photo leader would shout for us to shoot. I was shooting black and white, good old Kodak 3200. It wouldn’t have been my choice for this situation, but it was what I had. The tour leader enjoyed telling me that my photos would not be any good, that I needed color film. Luckily, I’d seen many, many beautiful black and white landscapes and carried on. What else could I do?

I’m happy with my landscape. Black and white emphasizes the design of the fields, and increases the glow of light on the furrows. There is a  timeless feel and a sense of mystery.