Xuan-Hui Ng: A Gracious Breath

"The scenes I photograph are set in Hokkaido, Nagano and Aomori, Japan. Each of these locations are very different but united by their extreme natural beauty. In Hokkaido, for example, I have witnessed “diamond dust” and “sun pillars”, which are ice crystals that form in the air when temperatures plunge below about 3 degrees Fahrenheit. In Aomori and Nagano, I have photographed the numerous cherry blossom varieties, which symbolize the concept of “mono no awa-re”. It speaks to the impermanence of life, and recognizes that it is precisely the transient nature of life that makes us treasure our encounters more deeply.

When I photograph, I am drawn to intense moments at daybreak or during snowstorms. Each season reflects unexpected or surprising instances when the ordinary becomes extraordinary. There are minute, spectacular changes that continue to bewitch me.

My photographs are single-exposure images made in camera. I state this because it is my aim to record and show the natural wonders that nature offers – not to post-produce something that never happened. What gives me the thrill is looking for beauty in the mundane and also chancing upon otherworldly scenes.

Now more than ever, we need to alleviate the stress in our lives and heal. Studies show that nature, or even images of nature, can provide symptom relief, lower stress levels, and reduce depression and anxiety. I hope these photographs of the natural world provide a brief reprieve from life’s harsh realities, by reminding us of the beauty in all things delicate and fierce."

— Xuan-Hui Ng