Photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s latest collection, with help from biophysicist Bill Francois, is looking to raise awareness by revealing how human-made issues are affecting Earth’s freshwater systems which are essential for life on Earth.
From rivers to lakes and streams, both Arthus-Bertrand and Francois emphasise through their work within “Freshwater – The View from Above and the Life Below” how overlooked our natural water sources have become. They demonstrate how significant they are which happen to make up a large amount of the Earth’s surface.
Told through spectacular aerial imagery by Arthus-Bertrand, the photographer takes the viewer on an awe-inspiring and thought-provoking ride where both the beauty and devastation are depicted throughout the book. The message that rings true through each image is that to fully appreciate the wonders of our world, we need to understand the true scale of our own actions which is perfectly portrayed in Arthus-Bertrand’s latest book.
Examples of human-made issues which contribute to the destruction and demise of our planet include, overfishing, pollutants, mismanagement, climate change, and many others. What’s so unique about ‘Freshwater’ is its ability to perfectly balance both the world we want to see, and the world we choose to ignore which is a current reflection of the state we are in.
Images of the Balkan caves, the American Great Lakes, Parisian Seine, and the high mountain tops of ice-cold glaciers to its flow through the Mexican cenotes, among many others. Arthus-Bertrand’s photography style and approach is incredibly unique, in terms of his ability to astutely compose while shooting from above. He perfectly implements scale and creates powerful imagery in the process.
Knowing what to shoot is the first step but knowing how to present it visually is another and more important aspect. Depicting a specific scene in a way that will have an effect on the viewer is what makes Arthus-Betrand’s work so appealing and authentic. Showing a fine balance between the beauty of Earth and his concerns which he feels should be more thoroughly attended to, sooner rather than later.
The photographer uses a variety of angles and focal lengths. Choosing to concentrate tightly on certain details and shooting wide for grander scales and significance. His image of the La Leona River in Argentina is one of the most compelling and striking within the book. The river’s distinct turquoise colour presents a captivating visual that could also be mistaken for an abstract painting because of its intriguing patterns and smoothness. This is one of many aerial images that Arthus-Betrand has photographed so skilfully.
‘Freshwater: The View from Above and the Life Below’ by Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s and Bill Francois is published by Abrams Books and will be available to buy from June this year, ISBN: 9781419787676
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