Our visual director’s favourites – spring 2023
“Perspective is everything. As a visual director, I always strive to find that friction in imagery where the audience can understand and see the planet from a new perspective. This portrait of a hunting owl is simply awe-inspiring and makes me feel like I’m about to become tonight’s dinner. Well done on capturing this – there is so much drama and tension in this moment, it’s incredible.”
Photo: Pat Martin
“I had been wanting to collaborate with photographer Pat Martins for a while. So, when we started working with climate-fashion activist Aditi Mayer, I immediately knew I wanted Martins to join us. His mastery of light and his use of the film camera create a magical atmosphere on set. I adore this photograph not only for it’s visual appeal but also because it conveys an important message from Aditi: about how we should perceive fashion as a product of land and labor. It serves as a reminder that what we wear is a natural resource.”
Photo: Evelyn Freja
“Evelyn Freya is an immensely talented photographer based in New York, and I am a huge fan of her work. She possesses a remarkable intuition in her approach to storytelling through her photographs. This particular image is part of a story we created about the growing popularity of tailors as people increasingly opt for repairing rather than buying new garments. I have a deep appreciation for still life images like this; they evoke a smile and foster a sense of connection with the individuals we feature. It’s a small yet powerful story about their lives.”
Photo: Raphaël Neal
“Raphaël Neal has created a stunning series that delves into the thoughts and perspectives of young people regarding climate and the future. I truly admire how this series presents these young people from their own unique viewpoint. It’s an emotionally captivating portrait that lingers in your mind long after you’ve seen it. I can feel the photographer’s deep respect for how these young people perceive the world. The series showcases their vulnerability and establishes a profound connection between the viewer and the subjects. Amongst all the portraits, this particular one holds a special place as one of my favorites.”
Photo: Brendan George Ko
“Brendan George Ko’s image series on the monarch butterflies requires no introduction. It is undeniably a stunning work of art in my opinion. Witnessing such a vast gathering of butterflies in one place is an awe-inspiring sight I had never encountered before. The grand scale of their migration journey is truly impressive and leaves you yearning for more. I highly recommend exploring this series, which includes additional videos, as it presents butterflies in a way you’ve never seen them before.”
Photo: Casey Clifford
“Casey Clifford is a photographer that deserves widespread recognition. Her portraiture is truly breathtaking. Collaborating with her on this series featuring Per Espen Stoknes has been a highlight for me, and I consider this portrait to be one of the finest pieces we have published at 5. Stoknes, an internationally acclaimed author, psychologist, and expert in mental health, is an icon in the climate space. Casey’s portrayal of him in this photograph is exceptionally genuine and personal.”
Photo: Eric Cho
“I am a big fan of macro photography. It offers a unique perspective that challenges our limited human point of view. It’s exhilarating to witness the intricate details of creatures, plants, and their surroundings through the close-up lens. Imagine being an ant and having these fellas as your next door neighbor – my next life, please let me be an insect. In this context, Eric Cho serves as a remarkable example of a photographer who captivates us with his awe-inspiring focus on micro fungi and their fascinating appearances.”
Photo: Giulio Di Sturco
“Giulio Di Sturco’s series, Ganga Ma, truly speaks for itself and requires little introduction. It is an experience that must be felt. The profound connection between the community along the Ganges and the viewer makes this series incredibly captivating and worthy of revisiting time and again. I feel a certain calmness in these images – and a tremendous amount of beauty. The Ganges River becomes the storyteller of it’s community, intimately intertwined with their lives. This series feels like a dream one hesitates to awaken from. In this specific portrait, a man stands amidst what I imagine to be toxic foam, shedding light on the serious issues we as humans have imposed upon the river. It captures the tragic decline of life within the river while also embodying a poignant form of decay, showcasing both the darkness and a peculiar kind of beauty.”
Photo: Zuojian Wang
“Why don’t we do more splits for sunrise, actually? When I see an image like this, I feel like I’m missing out on a profound sense of wellness. It’s filled with humor and prompts us to question why we’re not all engaging in such practices every morning. Zuojian Wang did a fantastic job capturing this moment. I mean — what are we waiting for?”
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