5 Comments
User's avatar
Bruce McConnel's avatar

Your photos are, as usual, outstanding but really appreciate the broader perspective, Ben, particularly the reflections. This bit really grabbed me, "What’s different now, and what has to be explained, is that change is happening at an unbelievably rapid pace, that temperatures are rising around the globe, very quickly, and that this is going to have major consequences for humans. And the reason this is happening is because of the greenhouse effect from burning fossil fuels. This is a fact."

As a photographer of modest ability who shares the deep love of nature and landscape that draws so many of us to the practice, I feel strongly that helping to "explain" what is happening and why it matters is a task that I am basically required to contribute to. I haven't quite landed how, but I know that I will keep at it until I do. One of my favorite quotes from William Neil addresses this directly, "We must remind people over and over of nature's beauty and of its frailty, remembering that the earth is a living, ever-changing system that sustains us. It is easy to forget, but we must not.”

Expand full comment
Benjamin Williamson's avatar

Right on, Bruce. I especially like the good words from William Neill. He's a good soul and a great photographer, as are you!

Expand full comment
Chuck Hatch's avatar

Well said, Benjamin, and thank you. Your photos are always beautifully composed, never more so than when documenting nature’s fury, such as last week’s historic storms. But your narrative is important, too, and as you’re well aware, you take a risk in making it public. Many kudos to you for having the courage and commitment!

Expand full comment
Benjamin Williamson's avatar

Chuck, It's tough to know how much to delve into these topics, because I'm really more in the middle than ever. Do I think this is the end of the world? Absolutely not. Do I think that human beings will likely adjust, just as we always have. I certainly do. How much of a frenzied effort do we need to engage in to combat the very real threat of destabilizing climate change? I'm not sure. I just know that I feel sad when I think of what we are going to lose and how much time, effort, and money it's going to take to adjust. I guess it always has been this way, but I feel like we could avoid some of the trouble if we don't heat up the planet so quickly.

Expand full comment
Sandra Feil's avatar

Well said, Benjamin. I share your sadness for the devastation of our beautiful coastline. Thank you for your exquisite photography and for caring so much.

Expand full comment