IN THE COMPANY OF LIGHT

Project Overview: In the Company of Light This project explores the dynamic relationship between early-morning light, natural objects, and their environment — here, the impact of soft, diffused light on a fragment of a young alikreukel washed ashore, reclaimed by a wave, and washed ashore again. These are fleeting moments that draw my attention and curiosity on beach walks. My selection for Critics' Choice 2025 was determined by the interplay of the early morning light quality, which brings the shell 'into the company of light,' allowing its full spectrum of blues, greens, and pinks to glow without being overpowered by harsh reflections or stark shadows, which would diminish its delicate colours. Especially during our winter months (early June), the sun rises with a soft, diffused quality, often filtering through a gentle haze or clouds. Crucially, all photographs are presented uncropped and unedited, preserving the raw honesty and authentic magic of these fleeting encounters. The project title is inspired by Sven Nykvist's poetic use of light and John Hay's reverence for the unadorned natural world, reflecting my passionate pursuit of nature's authentic truth.