Pappeln (Poplars) c. 1932

August Sander created this image of Poplars using photography sometime during his lifetime. I can imagine Sander standing on this lane, framing the shot just so, waiting for the light, because that’s what photography is: it’s all about light, patience, and vision. The trees create a rhythmic pattern, a dance of light and shadow that leads your eye along the path. It's beautiful! He used a wide tonal range to give the photograph depth and texture. Look how the leaves create a canopy above the path. I can almost feel the cool shade. The way the trees line up, each one a little different, a little wonkier than the last, reminds me that Sander was deeply invested in documenting the human condition, and the natural world. Sander wasn't just documenting the world; he was revealing its inherent beauty and character. I can see so much work by other artists in this photograph, especially photographers. Artists are in an ongoing conversation. It’s a big, messy, beautiful dialogue that spans time and place.