Waterfall, Maui, Hawaii 1978

Linda Connor made this photograph in Maui, Hawaii, likely using a large-format camera and black and white film. This relatively slow and deliberate process contrasts sharply with the ease of digital photography today. The material qualities of film are crucial here. The tonal range, from deep blacks to luminous whites, gives the image a distinctive depth. The blurred motion of the waterfall itself is a direct result of the long exposure time, an integral part of film photography. Connor coaxes an ethereal feel from the natural landscape. The choice of black and white film also evokes a sense of timelessness, connecting to the history of photography as a medium for documenting the world. Yet, this image is far from a straightforward record, it's about the artistic intervention, capturing the stillness and dynamism inherent in nature. By understanding the materials and processes involved, we can appreciate how Connor elevates a simple subject into a study of light, time, and the art of seeing. It reminds us that even in our age of instant images, the deliberate act of creation can offer unique perspectives.