Photographic Statement of Intent - “In the Shadow of Giants”
A group of magnificent oak trees at the end of Rowan Lane
The following statement of Intent was created using Google Gemini, a free online AI text tool that can be used to brainstorm and draft. My original intention was to photograph all the oaks in Wadswick Green but, on reflection , I have decided to limit the project to Rowan Lane. There are 10 mature oaks visible from out front door and more behind our building. I am also considering doing the project in black and white.
This is clearly a year long project but I will use my back catalogue to create a draft as part of our photo book project.
Introduction:
The grounds of Wadswick Green, nestled in Corsham, are home to a collection of magnificent mature oak trees. These towering giants, with their intricate forms and enduring presence, define the landscape and offer a profound connection to the natural world. This photographic project, "In the Shadow of Giants," aims to capture the essence of these remarkable trees, exploring their beauty, resilience, and the sense of awe they inspire.
Purpose:
This project is born from a deep appreciation for the natural heritage of Wadswick Green and a desire to document the unique character of its oak trees. It seeks to:
Illustrate Grandeur: To portray the imposing scale and majestic presence of these mature oaks, emphasizing their intricate bark, sprawling branches, and the play of light and shadow upon their forms.
Explore the Passage of Time: To reveal the trees' enduring presence, reflecting the changing seasons and the passage of years through their weathered textures and seasonal transformations.
Highlight Ecological Significance: To demonstrate the vital role these trees play in the ecosystem and their contribution to the serene and nurturing environment of Wadswick Green.
Foster a Sense of Connection: To encourage residents and visitors to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds them and to cultivate a deeper connection with the living history embodied by these trees.
Create a Lasting Legacy: To produce a photographic record that preserves the beauty and significance of these oaks for future generations of Wadswick Green residents.
Approach:
The photography will employ a variety of techniques to achieve these aims:
Seasonal Documentation: Capturing the oaks throughout the year, from the vibrant green of spring to the stark beauty of winter, showcasing the cyclical nature of life.
Detail and Grandeur: Utilizing both wide-angle shots to convey the trees' overall presence and close-up images to reveal the intricate details of their bark, leaves, and branches.
Light and Shadow: Employing natural light to create dramatic contrasts and highlight the textures and forms of the trees, capturing the interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.
Composition and Perspective: Experimenting with different perspectives and compositions to create visually compelling images that emphasize the trees' strength and beauty.
Atmospheric Capture: To capture the atmosphere that the trees create, through fog, mist, and changes in the weather, capturing the feeling of being “in the shadow of giants”.
Outcome:
The culmination of this project will be a high-quality photographic book, "In the Shadow of Giants." This book will serve as a visual celebration of the oak trees and a lasting tribute to their significance within our community. It will be a resource for residents, visitors, and future generations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural heritage of Wadswick Green.
Personal Connection:
Living within Wadswick Green has afforded me the daily opportunity to observe and appreciate these magnificent trees. This project is a personal endeavor to share my admiration and to capture the unique beauty that they bring to our community. I hope that through these photographs, others will also experience the sense of peace and wonder that these giants inspire.