Every Sunday, I contact photographers previously featured on PHOTOSNACK and ask them to send me their spontaneous thoughts, observations, reflections, or advice.
Today, I am sharing the message I received from Arnold Zageris.
Arnold Zageris
Lake Tasisuak, Labrador (4 x 5 in. chrome)
After a rainy night, I did not expect to see this scene when I stuck my head out of the tent. I felt as if God was coming. It was a moment I felt would disappear in an instant, and I rushed to set up my tripod and the view camera.
Focusing and composing the scene on the ground glass was disappointing and a reflection of the same thing. I needed a foreground to give the scene some depth. Fortunately, I spotted a large boulder further up the beach and quickly headed towards it. I remember trying to incorporate the rock so that it would, along with the mountains, line up to lead the eye to the foggy vanishing point.
This was a moment that all photographers went through, becoming more anxious that something would change and spoil the image. This was about to happen as the cloud covering the bright sun behind me shifted, and my shadow was now on the rock, ruining the picture. I hesitated, looked back, and saw a small wispy cloud that would, in a moment, cover the sun, eliminating my disturbing shadow. I waited, and feeling the air beginning to stir, my shadow disappeared, and I pressed the shutter. Relieved, I turned my film holder to take a second image, but the water stirred, and the magic was gone.
After having returned to the arctic 16 times I never felt the same surge of excitement as this image evoked.
My book On the Labrador was based around this image.
Arnold Zageris was featured in PHOTOSNACK #452.
Sunday Editions connect you with photographers whose work you previously explored through PHOTOSNACK.
I want to reveal some authentic parts of the people behind the cameras.
I don't ask them any specific questions. I ask them to share whatever comes to mind when they think about YOU, the newsletter readers.
It makes their responses genuine and personal.
I hope you enjoyed today's Sunday Edition.
Until next time,
Tomasz