AWAITING THE TRITONS

Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is known for its rough seas, rugged coastline and shipwrecks. In contrast to its reputation, the ocean was peaceful during my visit this Summer, as if the seas were calmed by the Triton’s trumpet shell. Enthused by the 19th century, Armenian born painter, Ivan Aivazovsky, who is best known for his luminous marine and coastal scenes, I wanted to give my seascape photos the quality of a painting. To photograph, I used a neutral density filter, greatly reducing the bright daylight and exposing frames for up to 30 seconds. The long exposure time created a sereneness, softening the otherwise tumultuous ocean. The unyielding rocks became visual anchors amidst the drifting seawater.