Dignity: Capturing the Beauty of Nature Through Photography

Unveiling the Unnoticed

Have you ever stopped to appreciate the beauty of the trees that surround us in the city? Satoru Nakahara's project, aptly named "Dignity," seeks to bring attention to these often overlooked natural wonders. Inspired by the ink paintings and "Sumi-e" folding screen paintings of Japanese and Chinese art, Nakahara's photography captures the essence of these trees and presents them in a unique and captivating way.

What sets "Dignity" apart is its focus on showcasing the natural appearance of trees within a white square framework. Nakahara carefully selects the most beautiful compositions and forms, using his Nikon digital camera to capture the perfect shot. In his home studio, he enhances the photos using Adobe Photoshop, adjusting the exposure to bring out the vibrant and lively qualities of each image.

The technical specifications of the project are impressive. Nakahara shoots with a Nikon Z5 in fine mode, resulting in high-resolution images measuring 6016×4016 pixels. These photographs are then transformed into square black and white compositions, emphasizing the timeless beauty of the trees. The final images are digitized and saved as JPG files, with sizes ranging from 6 to 12 megabytes.

By presenting these photographs in black and white and within a square framework, Nakahara invites viewers to appreciate the abstract concepts of "Yugen" and "looseness" found in traditional Japanese art. The deliberate elimination of distractions and the focus on the trees' natural forms creates a sense of dignity and tranquility.

The "Dignity" project was carried out between May 2020 and February 2021 in Numazu, Japan. Nakahara faced several challenges during the process, including finding suitable tree subjects in the city and composing the perfect shot to achieve an empty white background. However, these challenges only fueled his determination to fuse the worlds of art and photography, bridging Western and Eastern concepts.

Through "Dignity," Nakahara successfully eliminates the boundaries between painting and photography. His photographs capture the essence of pine and plum trees, which have been celebrated in "Sumi-e" and ink paintings for centuries. By adjusting the exposure and presenting them within a white square, Nakahara allows viewers to imagine the background and experience the presence of these trees with a newfound sense of dignity.

With its unique approach and stunning visuals, "Dignity" has garnered recognition in the design world. In 2021, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Photography and Photo Manipulation category. This prestigious accolade recognizes the project's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, as well as its ability to evoke positive emotions and contribute to a better world.