Eons Raupapa Whakaahua

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The series was dedicated to exploring rock and stone textures. Living next to a nature reserve allows for many photographic opportunities. Discovered while hiking, the sandstone cliff has been carved by the elements for years. What wisdom do they possess? What have they seen over eons. By framing each image strategically, the textures become abstract works of art.

Dimensions & Packaging

These images were shot using a Canon 5DsR that has a medium format sensor. This enables me to enlarge the print size to a billboard size. These images are aimed at interior decoration. Therefore the size of the images will depend on the client's needs. The photographs can also be produced in various finishes such as C-Type Fuji Metallic Gloss, Black & White Ilford Fibre-Based, Diasec (an archival mounting and framing method) and White Metal prints.

Tags

black and white, photography, nature, rock formations, canon photography, abstract, contours, contrasts,

Production Technology

The rock formations were transformed into abstract art works by means of choosing the right composition, accompanied by the right balance of light in order to create dramatic shadow and light contrasts. Each rock face had its own personality and unique characteristics that had to be studied in order to extract the beauty from such an eroded piece of rock that would otherwise be seen as just a rock. The images were captured using natural light and a Canon 5DsR and a 24mm - 70mm 2.8 lens. The post production was done using photoshop and a camera raw plugin.

Design Challenge

The biggest creative challenge, or in this case decision, was to not use the yellow tone of the rock face, but to only use black and white exposure. Initially the natural colour palette made it tempting to exploit, but at the end the of the day the abstract nature of these natural sculptures inspired the idea to process the images as black and white. The next challenge was to balance the natural light. The images were taken at almost mid day. Therefore the contrasts were very strong.

Research

The research happened while photographing the subject. The objective was to exclude the sandstone's yellow hue and focus only on contrast and texture. The methodology was to study the rocks until each composition was visible in the frame. Data collection happened while documenting the cliffs. The entire series was an experiment. The end results were a collection of abstract compositions. Research shows that beauty can be found anywhere and can be connected to the material world in a philosophical way.

Inspiration

Inspiration came from the very hard contrasts created by the sunlight falling on the rock textures. The lines, the light and dark areas, the angles of the rock formations. When captured in the right composition, these elements create the art.

Project Duration

The project was born after a hike in February 2021 and was completed in February 2021.

Operation Flow

This series is aimed at interior decoration and branding. Because of their abstract nature, these images are versatile in their use. The strong black and white contrasts have a calming effect. This will translate well into the interior of a contemporary office building interior as well as for branding purposes for such industries like mining, insurance and investments or even music artists album art work. The abstract quality that is produced by a natural phenomenon will ensure that each viewer will have an individual experience. Therefore the images are not a collection of rocks, but a symphony of emotions.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer Chris Slabber, Retoucher Chris Slabber, 2021
Image #2: Photographer Chris Slabber, Retoucher Chris Slabber, 2021
Image #3: Photographer Chris Slabber, Retoucher Chris Slabber, 2021
Image #4: Photographer Chris Slabber, Retoucher Chris Slabber, 2021
Image #5: Photographer Chris Slabber, Retoucher Chris Slabber, 2021