Child’s Eye

Hundreds of years ago, what must it have been like for this horseman’s ancestors to come upon such a magnificent terrain for the first time? To see the intense blue, green, and aqua of the water in rivers and lakes? To breathe in the crisp air and feel only a thin veil of separation from the sun due to the high elevation?

Arriving in a new environment or location is one of my favorite things as a fine art photographer. In each place, the air, atmosphere, temperature, topography, people, culture, and traditions are unique. The sounds of voices speaking languages native to the area, their manner of dress, or even the sounds of transportation—motorbikes or horses or shipping yachts—are varied and nuanced.

In these moments when I see a land-or cityscape for the first time, I go into my child’s mind. Everything is fresh.

I remember that Nepal was dramatic and inspiring. I saw possibilities everywhere. I asked myself, what image could be made from that childlike perspective of seeing something for the first time? And then I waited, observed, held conversations in the village with the Nepalese people who live and thrive despite the harsh weather and perilous terrain. I didn’t know the answer immediately, which often is the case and was not concerning. I was excited by the encounter and trusted that when the right moment and best elements came together, the child in Lisa would recognize it and individuality that is simultaneously uncomfortable and beautiful.