Having just moved to a brand-new state, I was struck by how every corner held beauty, from grand natural landscapes to hidden treasures in more rural and spacious settings. My eyes took in everything, and I realized there is beauty in everything, especially our surroundings.
The landscapes in Minnesota offer different ways of seeing the geography and how different locations offer unique opportunities. That has influenced the way I photograph Winona. Buildings, monuments, or historical sites can serve as a unique subject matter in the form of landscapes.
Additionally, Winona’s long-term history has shaped the natural environment, as well as influenced the ways that locals interact with their surroundings.
Learning the history behind Winona has made me see this town in a different light, as it started as an industrial town and remains that way. The town has a landscape shaped by the industries that reside along the Mississippi. Knowing the history has helped me capture unique visual elements that will tell a story.
Every structure and road built has a story behind it, and the details that may seem insignificant at first glance can hold a deeper significance. The shadows that fall on a photo, the color of a building, or the composition, lighting, and time of day all contribute to the overall vibe and atmosphere of a photograph. Each element carries with it a certain emotional weight that can be interpreted differently by each viewer, making each photo a unique expression of the moment and the story it seeks to tell.
The bluffs that surround the town offer a fresh perspective to capture the beauty and meaning of the area. Photographing from a higher vantage point not only broadens the scope of the landscape but also presents opportunities to capture unique moments and details that might be missed at ground level. Taking photos from different angles adds depth and dimension to the scenery, making it even more captivating and interesting to share with others.
Winona County itself offers a unique perspective with the different landscape photographs I have taken as well. While this town seems to have more going on, outside of Winona there are various hills and a lot of farmlands.
Driving around Winona County with my friend was not just a way to capture the beauty of the landscape but also a way to express my own emotions through my photography. Whether it was the feeling of awe that came from seeing the breathtaking views, the sense of serenity I felt in nature or the melancholy that crept in as we drove through the small towns, I aimed to capture not just the emotions of the people who would view the photos, but also my own emotions as I experienced those moments first-hand.
Taking these photos has helped me find inner peace as I navigate through personal struggles as well. It has helped me connect with nature and appreciate my surroundings in a different light. Any structure or area can be captured forever with any device or camera.
