The Haunting Beauty Of The Graveyard: Moodboard and Ideas

While wandering in a graveyard, I was fascinated by the abundant life thriving amidst nature’s conquest of man-made structures. Surrounded by tributes to the past, I marvelled at the intertwining tree roots beneath the ground, symbolising the cyclical nature where all states of time coexist in this space. It was then, during a day hike with my partner, that we stumbled upon an abandoned and overgrown graveyard, becoming the starting inspiration for my new photo series.

Exploring the Enigmatic Graveyard:

As we traversed the pathway of the Water of Leith, we encountered a split in the road. Trusting my instincts, I convinced my partner that jumping over a wall and venturing into the mossy overgrown path was the right way to go. Despite spending at least an hour trapped within the walled-off graveyard, we eventually discovered a haunting site that resembled a World War II memorial upon first glance. The massive graveyard, hidden within the heart of Edinburgh, had eluded my previous research for shoot ideas, captivating me entirely. From that moment on, I resolved to capture the ethereal essence of this space, igniting the inspiration for my new photo series.

Unveiling the Eerie Atmosphere:

I continued my exploration of the graveyard, overwhelmed by a sense of awe and reverence for both the space and those laid to rest there. The atmosphere, simultaneously peaceful and haunting, felt as if the spirits of the departed still wandered among the tombstones and monuments. The interplay of light filtering through the trees, illuminating the gravestones, evoked an indescribable surreal and otherworldly feeling. The lingering quiet permeating the air was an unspoken agreement, a collective vow to honour those resting here and safeguard the tranquillity for all who wandered through.

Capturing the Haunting Beauty:

In my photography, I strive to capture the haunting beauty of the graveyard in all its forms. From the intertwining tree roots embracing the gravestones to the sun-drenched spaces between the headstones, I aim to visually depict the overlapping states of life and death. My goal is to portray how nature has reclaimed man-made structures and how life continues to flourish amidst the presence of death.

Embracing Polaroid Photography:

After thoroughly exploring ideas and reflecting on my mood board, I decided to embrace Polaroid photography as my chosen medium for this project. I believe this technique perfectly suits the task of capturing the haunting beauty and eerie atmosphere of the abandoned graveyard that sparked my inspiration.

Pushing Boundaries and Exploring New Possibilities:

Among the key themes that emerged from my exploration of the space, the concept of cyclical nature and the simultaneous presence of all states of time stood out. Authenticity and staying true to the essence of the space are paramount in my photographic expression of this idea. By employing Polaroid photography, I can capture the essence of the space in its purest form, without relying on digital manipulation or post-production. This approach will enable me to create a visual representation of the overlapping states of life and death present within the space.

Embarking on the Journey:

Polaroid photography boasts a unique aesthetic that cannot be replicated by other mediums. Its soft, dreamlike quality invokes a nostalgic ambiance that harmonises seamlessly with the haunting beauty of the graveyard. The instant gratification of witnessing the photo develop before my eyes adds a sense of immediacy, heightening the emotional impact of the final images. Furthermore, this project offers an opportunity for exploration and experimentation with the medium, such as utilising emulsion lifts. By potentially transferring the emulsion lifts onto stones or leaves sourced from the graveyard, I can establish a conceptual connection between the images and the physical space itself.

I am thrilled to delve deeper into the possibilities of Polaroid photography, capturing the essence of the space in a manner that remains faithful to the themes that emerged from my mood board exploration. By emphasising the cyclical nature of time and the overlapping states of life and death, my aspiration is to create a hauntingly beautiful photo series that encapsulates the abandoned graveyard that inspired this project. The next step entails an attempt to relocate this enigmatic graveyard, further enriching the journey.

Conclusion:

Unveiling the haunting beauty of the graveyard reveals a realm where life and death coexist in captivating harmony. Through the medium of Polaroid photography, I aim to breathe life into this ethereal space, capturing the intertwining states of time and the captivating allure of decay and growth. Stay tuned as I embark on this creative endeavour, unraveling the secrets of the graveyard one haunting photograph at a time.