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The linear and singular quality of seaweed has become more prevalent in my
photography in recent years.
There are several thousand different species worldwide along coastlines in many
locations and countries. Always drawn to the endless varieties and the layered
patterns which are revealed when working in black and white.
The undulating movement of holdfasts, stipes and fronds within the water is
mesmerising, commonly found decomposing in rock pools, intertidal zones and
river estuaries. Capturing the light reflecting on the surface of the water reveals
sweeping fronds that create visible patterns of movement.
Black and white photography removes the colour but reveals a previously hidden
multi layered underwater world of marine algae. The strong contrasts within this
submerged world are often unseen with the naked eye, this series of images is a
journey from dark to light.

AUTHOR: Stephanie Lightbown (United Kingdom)

Stephanie Lightbown lives and works in Scotland but travels further afield for the source of her inspiration. Working as an artist photographer and educator creativity and individuality are the driving forces behind her work.

She travels extensively to search for the specific type of wilderness, this in turn enables her to explore the types of terrain that are unique to that environment. Her main focus is the abstraction of the land. She photographs within the specific environment, observing the detail of the physical features and geological structures, therefore making it possible to exclude the visual information which makes the location recognisable. 

Occasionally, it is necessary to give viewers a clue to the major features of the environment. However, subtraction is always part of her visual language and process, often giving a minimalist quality to her work. Removal of the colour focuses attention to the texture and form within the image and is a key element of the post production process allowing for the wide range of tonal qualities inherent within black and white photography..

The creative possibilities of photography have allowed the exploration of specific subjects that have a unique cultural identity only identifiable to the place where the photographs were taken.