french photographer Pierre Louis Ferrer made a name for itself in infrared and ultraviolet photography. So it was only natural that he would bring his modified mirrorless camera on a trip to Latvia. This allowed him to enjoy the landscape of the Eastern European country and document it in a unique way. The resulting images are a fascinating look at Latvia and, in particular, its national parks.
Having never visited Latvia before, Ferrer was struck by the amount of nature that abounds once you leave the city. The natural environment was particularly inspiring for Ferrer. “Latvia has beautiful forests where you can hike freely, take advantage of lookout towers to see incredible vistas,” he shares with My Modern Met.
Her images play on this love affair with nature, as the portfolio avoids images of urban centers. As is often the case with infrared photos, lush greens are transformed into red/pink hues and blue skies take on a more icy color. Ferrer was particularly impressed with Kemeri National Park, which has peat bogs surrounded by incredible biodiversity. This contrast between water and plant life makes infrared imagery particularly appealing.
The French photographer is also intrigued by how the environment can take precedence over man-made buildings. In Latvia, he explored an abandoned paper factory surrounded by pine trees. These trees have also found their way into architecture, peeking through windows and springing through the roofless structure. Through his work, he hopes others will also see the power of nature. He explains: “Nature is much stronger and smarter than we think, adapting to our impact.
The true beauty and power of the Latvian environment shines through in the scenic forest views. Taken from observation towers open to hikers, the photographs are a beautiful look at the environment. As a light mist lifts from the trees, the only clue of humans are the footpaths that cut through the forest.
For Ferrer, the trip was a welcome change. It was his first trip after confinement, which makes it a real breath of fresh air.
Pierre-Louis Ferrer used infrared photography to document his trip to Latvia.
He is particularly struck by the richness of the natural spaces of the small country.
Using a modified camera, his images transform the world into the colors of cotton candy.
From the observation towers, he was able to take panoramic views of the pine forest.
