This image belongs to my series entitled “Suiseki”, which literally means “water stone” (Sui – water; Seki – stone). Originating some 2,000 years ago in Japan, interesting, rare or well-formed stones were placed and displayed in watered trays. As imitations of classic landscape paintings, they were also associated with the legendary mountains, islands and seas represented in Buddhist and Taoist texts.

I have been fascinated by both Japanese esthetics and Japanese Zen gardens in particular, and over the past 5+ years I have attempted to capture that same spirit with my photography, the same overlap of water and natural stones in their native environment.

My formal education in photography began at the Center for Photographic Studies where my first teacher was C. J. Pressman, himself a protege of Henry Holmes Smith and Minor White. It was a profound and lasting experience. After that my professional development led to a Masters in Fine Art Photography, followed by a 40 year career as a Photographer and Director.

Now, using the photographic techniques of movement and light I have accumulated a large body of representative work. This body of work is somehow more personal than my previous work and it has become important for me to share this work via galleries and publications.

I have been developing my vision and skills for many years and this work culminates those efforts with a sense of my personal vision.

QUOTE: “While we cannot describe its appearance (the equivalent), we can define its function. When a photograph functions as an Equivalent we can say that at that moment, and for that person the photograph acts as a symbol or plays the role of a metaphor for something that is beyond the subject photographed.” – Minor White

What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!

The power of the image for me is in the spirit of the image as well as the color and movement. The motion swirls and patterns connect to the zen aesthetic of rock gardens and Japanese design in general. The composition of water, movement and light displays a certain tranquility through these qualities. In brief, movement – color – composition all combine to produce a singular experience for the viewer.

If you would be able to make this photo once again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?

This has been an learning process, an evolution. The real lesson for me was to not over think the capturing process, to let my intuition guide my vision and capture the moment. So simply put… to trust my intuition.

Stephen Guenther shared his photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.

Photographer

Stephen Guenther, U.S.
WEBSITE
SUISEKI SERIES
INSTAGRAM

Equipment and Settings

Sony Alpha 7 II + Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM
Variable sensitivity and speed settings.