Photographer： Michael Kenna

Michael Kenner (born in 1953) is an English-American photographer renowned for his minimalist black-and-white landscape paintings, which evoke a deep sense of tranquility and eternity. Main photography focuses on nature, such as large trees, and employs unique techniques to capture mysterious sensations in natural landscapes. Such works as “Trees in Hokkaido” and “Japanese Form” capture the serene elegance of nature. His works, such as Hokkaido’s annual snow tree record, highlight subtle color changes and explore themes of rapid change and resilience. Focus: illusory scenery, hazy trees, minimalist composition. His black and white photos often evoke memories of journeys, with solitary trees symbolizing resilience and the passage of time. Long exposure at dawn/dusk creates a dreamlike atmosphere. Square frame, achieving a balanced and poetic composition. Emphasize negative space, making trees and flowers feel like solitary travelers in a vast landscape.

In this photo, the photographer used black and white photography: by removing color interference, enhancing contrast and texture details. The silhouettes of the trees form a stark contrast with the water’s reflection, highlighting the timelessness and tranquility of the natural landscape. In terms of composition design, a tripartite approach is used: the trees are located on the left side of the frame, guiding the line of sight to extend to the right to enhance spatial flow. Symmetry and balance, the mirror relationship between water reflections and reality, create a harmonious visual equilibrium. Uniform light distribution avoids excessive brightness and darkness, maintaining the overall integrity of the image. Trees symbolize life and growth, while extended branches symbolize the challenges and explorations of life’s journey. Deep Dive Composition: The foreground trees, mid-scene water surfaces, and distant mountain ranges collectively create an expansive space, symbolizing the unknown and possibilities of the journey. Empty scenes convey an individual’s independence and solitude during the journey. Michael Kenna transforms tree and water reflections into visual metaphors of the “journey” through black-and-white photography, meticulous composition, and the use of natural light. The static natural elements (trees, mountains) in the scene create tension with dynamic light and shadow reflections (water surfaces), showcasing both the stability and challenges of the journey and conveying philosophical insights into life’s journey.

Evaluation of my red image:

My photograph showcases a unique composition and lighting effects that resemble those of photographer Michael Kenna. First, the curved forms of trees and the combination of rocks in the scene create a natural harmony, echoing Kenna’s skill in capturing the delicate emotions within natural landscapes. Next, the application of black and white tones enhances the artistic and temporal sensibility of the photos, making viewers feel as if they are immersed in a tranquil and profound world. This approach is also a common technique in Kenna’s works. On the theme of “journey,” this photo symbolizes the process of exploration and progress through the extension of the trunk and the unfolding of branches. Additionally, the calmness of the water and grass conveys a sense of inner peace and contemplation. Record every piece of land I pass through on my journey. The original color was colored, but I used a filter to change it to black and white, and centered the trees for photography.

 

In this photo, I changed the color of the trees from filter to red, creating a surreal atmosphere through the red tones of the trees and rocks. In photography, I employed color contrast and composition, particularly creating a striking contrast between the stones in the foreground and the blue sky in the background. This is similar to the work of photographer Michael Kenna, who excels at expressing emotions and mood through concise compositions and strong lighting effects. Kenna’s works often convey a sense of tranquility and loneliness through natural landscapes, and mine embodies a similar journey that guides viewers into an inner world through natural elements. Red trees symbolize life and passion, while rocks represent durability and eternity.