Broedende griel in de Jachtduin bij Bloemendaal 1906

Richard Tepe captured this brooding stone curlew in the dunes near Bloemendaal with a camera, maybe sometime in the early 20th century. The entire photograph has this dreamy, almost faded quality, like a memory half-recalled. It's monochrome, but it's not just black and white; it’s sepia, all warm browns and soft greys blending together, creating a hazy scene. I imagine Tepe carefully setting up his equipment, waiting patiently for the right moment. The curlew, nestled in the grass, becomes a symbol of nature's quiet resilience. You can almost feel the stillness of the scene, the weight of the bird's presence, and the tender attentiveness of the photographer. The composition is simple, yet effective. The bird is centrally placed, surrounded by its natural habitat. The textures of the grass and the curlew's feathers are so soft, they invite you to touch them. Tepe’s work makes you think about the relationship between observation, patience, and the art of capturing a moment in time. Photography allows for a kind of looking that can be very special.