Sri Lanka's waterfalls and landscapes
By Ranga CHANDRARATHNE
|
Ahas Bokku falls
-Kalutara District |
No place is boring, if you've had a good
night's sleep and have a pocket full of unexposed film.
-Robert Adams, Darkroom & Creative Camera
Techniques, May 1995
An exhibition of feature photographs of Sri Lankan waterfalls and
landscapes by Ronali Abeywickrama will be held from December 15 -16 at
the D.S Senanayake Children’s auditorium in Kandy. The exhibition
features seven out of ten highest waterfalls.
Among the waterfalls that the exhibition features include
Bambarakanda , Kurudu Oya , Diyaluma , Mapalana and Kiridi ella . It
also features Badulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo, Ratnapura and
Moneragala districts.
One of the rare exhibits is Paraviyan falls in Moneragala District.
The photographer has captured the front view of the falls which is
divided into two by a rock. Ahas Bokku falls in Kalutara district is a
waterfall which has not been on the track of the photographers. In fact,
it is rarely photographed. Rathana Ella in Kandy Districts is the 6th
highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
One of the significant aspects of Ronali’s photography is her keen
eye for details and the focus.
|
Paraviyan
Falls-Moneragala District |
Almost all the photographs were taken
from a vantage point so that the frame would capture the maximum details
and the complete focus is on the waterfall. For instance, Rathana ella
is captured from such a vantage point so that majestic nature of the
fall is amply displayed. The photographer seems to be well aware of the
lighting condition of the atmosphere at the time the photograph is
taken. It is obvious that the photograph of Rathana ella was taken on a
bright sunny day. Bright sunlight has been exploited in capturing the
Ramparts of the famous Dutch Fort of Galle.
What is significant in Ronali’s photography is her ability to capture
the image in an unusual manner which, without doubt, is a hallmark of a
highly talented photographer who does not merely capture the image
before the camera but virtually paint a picture out of nature.
Although her focus is on feature photography and on the waterfalls
and landscapes, she had retained her signature in them. On keen
examination of the exhibits, it is obvious that Ronali has taken a great
care not to waste space on the frame given the fact that background to
her photography are sparingly captured so as to enhance the image.
The exhibition offers a rare collection of photographs with their
diverse perspectives on waterfalls and landscapes.
|