On the boat to Schiermonnikoog, one of the Dutch islands, you often get company, from seagulls. At least, if you are outside on the deck. People eating a sandwich should be careful: a gull will peck it right out of your hand. The gulls circle in a large group above the boat. I was lucky that 1 gull broke away from the flock. Slowly she rose to high above my head. In her flight she landed between the sun and me. What a beautiful backlight! How glad I was that I had my camera ready in time. That was double enjoyment, of the moment and the photo that appeared on my display.
For me (and many others I think) birds in general stand for freedom: to be able to fly anywhere you want; to detach yourself from the earth and let yourself be carried away with the wind. When I think of gulls, I always think of Richard Bach's book Johathan Livingston Seagull, in which the gull, the main character in the book, is constantly trying to overcome new limitations when flying.
I took this photo in 2012 and still my heart leaps whenever I come across it again in my files. On that boat to Schiermonnikoog with my buddy and our daughter I was on my way to a few weeks of freedom: sun, sea, blue sky and just relax!
Since about 1974, I have been involved almost daily in photography, drawing (charcoal, graphite, conté, chalk, ink), painting, watercolour and/or collage making. In all these branches of visual work, I have tried a lot, found my own way, but.. Read more…