In this extraordinary collection of images, photographer William Neill explores a fresh vision of nature and displays a rare depth of emotional expression among landscape photographers. Inspired by both Impressionistic painters and photographers, Neill has immersed himself in a simple technique of “painting with light” using a single exposure and camera movement. Presented in thematic groups – Forest, Flora, Landscape, and Water – these images reveal desert landscapes, intimate details of water and flowers, forests that radiate a sense of serenity and peace, and an affirmation of the human spirit and its place within the natural world.
"My goal is to remove context within a landscape, distilling down to its essence,
in order to convey the energy of a subject or scene in a fresh way,
much as snow simplifies the land.
"For me, these images deflect the mind’s tendency
to dwell on the concrete issues of place and name when viewing a subject.
The spirit of a place or an object can be more strongly conveyed."
Neill considers not only light and composition but emotion to be essential ingredients of successful images. He relentlessly seeks the artistic and spiritual truth that emerges from his subjects. This dazzling collection of photographs displays a full range of light and shadow, intimacy and mystery, and drama and serenity that his explorations have revealed. Whether capturing Big Sur surf at twilight, the sensual forms of iris petals, or the autumnal glow of an eastern forest, Neill invites the viewer to contemplate scenes of immense beauty as well as emotional renewal.
"I’m trying to stretch, not just to be different
but also to find new ways to express what
I’ve been trying to show all along—the beauty of nature."
Impressions of Light is a poetic celebration of the beauty of nature seen through the eyes of one of today’s most visionary photographers.
