Expressions of Water: Arnold Zageris | Contact Photo Festival | Main Gallery Exhibition

Over a period of three years, I observed water’s diverse visual qualities of shape and colour. In stillness and in movement water’s infinite impressions of reflected and refracted light were always a challenge.

Learning how to predict wave action was key for composition and texture was captured by a choice of shutter speed. Many images of the reflections in water would have easily been missed had it not been for a camera’s ability to freeze an instant or to prolong a movement. 

Whenever possible I try to get a close and intimate picture of water, but also very frequently I use a stepladder to get a higher horizontal view. My method is to climb up and down at various places until I find a pattern or reflection that I feel has the potential for an image with a unique perspective. My camera that is already on a tripod and set to a carefully chosen aperture and shutter speed is then securely clamped to the ladder. After climbing up and composing the image trying to predict pattern and movement, I set the 10 second timer and to avoid any vibration from my balancing body I quickly descend before the shutter is released. This process can be repeated dozens of times until movement, colour and composition combine to create a unique and distinctive image.