Rationale - Lady in the Water

This photograph captures a fleeting, graceful moment as Courtney steps into the still waters of a lake, her movement frozen in time yet full of quiet energy. The image is a study in form and motion, celebrating both the physicality of the human body and the serenity of nature.

I took advantage of golden hour—that brief window where the sun sits low in the sky and casts a warm, diffused glow. This natural light enhances the softness of the scene, adding warmth and emotion. One of the most striking elements is the light filtering through the trees, which creates a gentle halo effect around Courtney’s hair, lending her an almost ethereal presence. This interplay of light and shadow adds depth to the photograph and elevates the everyday into something almost mythical.

The composition focuses on Courtney’s form and movement—the slight bend of her body, the suggestion of transition and stillness all at once. The reflection on the lake’s surface and the organic textures of the surrounding environment frame her naturally, allowing the viewer to feel immersed in the moment.

Altogether, this photograph is both a portrait and a story—one of calm, connection, and the beauty of being present in nature.