Michael Kenna :The master of Landscape Photography

Everybody loves colors.Colors are everywhere.My previous posts had been all on photographers who did color photography.What comes in your mind when I say black and white?You remember those old days when your parents used to show their photographs of their old times or maybe yours when you were born,and you always wished that it would be wonderful if they were in color.While black and white may not interest you,it is the field of work of many artists around the world,and Michael Kenna(born in England in 1953) is one of the greatest artist in this field.When you look into his landscape photographs of around the world in black and white,they simply amaze you.

This great artist after completing his education in London moved to San Francisco in 1980s which kickstarted his jouney into the world of photography. He has worked extensively for landscape photography for almost 50 years and what makes them special is the unusualness that you see in all his photographs. Since I belong to India,I identified the beauty of his photographs in two of his photographs taken in India,as they look so different than actual view that I have seen with my eyes of the places captured by him in India.Below is the 'Gateway of India' situated in Mumbai. I have been there several times but never realised the beauty of it until I came across the photograph clicked by Kenna,which mesmerized me the way it was taken and the view I had never seen before of this place.

Gateway of India, Mumbai, India. 2006 (c)Michael Kenna

Also amazes me is the way artist has captured the black clouds above which contrasts very well with the building,which is only possible in black and white photographs. Other thing that is worth mentioning is the smoke which can be seen far away in the picture. It really enhances the beauty of photo as a whole.The blurry effect that he has made on other things except the building shows the excellent command that this artist has on depth of field.Its really commendable

Another photograph that is worth mentioning is the photograph taken by him of the Safdar Jung in New Delhi,India. I have been to this place and there is nothing interesting as the building is old and dilapidated. It attracts visitors only due to its historical value.again,the way the artist has captured the image simply makes me wonder how does this place look so beautiful in the photograph.

Safdar Jang, Study 1, Delhi, India, 2006(c)Michael Kenna

I was amazed after seeing the photograph.What I found really interesting was the superb reflection of the tomb in water with perfect lighting.Maybe colored reflection of the tomb would have not succeeded in capturing the soul so closely.Did you notice the lone bird in the photograph?Once upon a time,kings who resided in these tombs ensured that not even a bird moves without their orders,now the times have changed.The two walls surrounding the water contrast well with each other too.All in all,this image closely resembles the Taj Mahal and this is one of the other things that I liked about the photograph.

I think Kenna's work is great in his field of Black and White landscape photography.They are really a visual treat to look at.