The newest project of Toby Smith, a contemporary reportage photographer concentrating on landscape and the energy sector, is focussed on renewable energy production. Working in Scotland, he is using his vehicle as a production base, home and office immersing himself in the surrounding environment. Using large-format traditional negative enables him to work in very low light using exposures lasting many hours resulting in incredibly detailed prints. Above ground he has captured dramatic panoramas, vast arctic-like scenery and alluring night images lit by the moon and stars. Being supported by Scottish and Southern Energy has allowed Smith privileged access to hidden corners including turbine halls, underground passages and engineering marvels. You can follow the project at the website below.

Website: The Renewables Project

Press Release

THE RENEWABLES PROJECT

Supported by Scottish and Southern Energy

Toby Smith is a contemporary reportage photographer concentrating on landscape and the energy sector. His previous project, Light After Dark, focused on the 32 coal power stations of England and was met with critical acclaim. He now turns to Scotland and the sustainable ‘alternatives’ in existence.

Smith is spending two months on-location aiming to celebrate the unified relationship between the striking Scottish landscape and renewable energy production.

For the duration of the project he is using his vehicle as a production base, home and office immersing himself in the surrounding environment. Smith’s photography style and sense of adventure lends itself naturally to the dramatic and invigorating Scottish landscape. He has already encountered freezing temperatures as low as -15 degrees celsius with over 2 foot of snow resulting in fantastic visibility and sharp crisp light. He has covered 1400 miles in less than 3 weeks, reaching heights up to 1200m and visiting hydro dams as long as 700m.

Smith specialises in unique lighting conditions. Using large-format traditional negative enables him to work in very low light using exposures lasting many hours resulting in incredibly detailed prints. Above ground he has captured dramatic panoramas, vast arcticlike scenery and alluring night images lit by the moon and stars. In parallel, he is producing a series of HD Time Lapses which encapsulate the ever-changing lighting and weather conditions.

The project is being documented at each stage of its development through a blog of recce shots and experiences. The finished project will consist of 12 incredible large-scale prints presenting a relationship that Smith hopes will stimulate discussion and debate, opening a new dialogue for the future of renewable technology.

Being supported by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) has allowed Smith privileged access to hidden corners including turbine halls, underground passages and engineering marvels.

Smith and SSE worked closely in choosing the most appropriate sites considering aesthetic, cultural and historical factors.

See below to keep up-to-date with any news and information:
www.therenewablesproject.com
!!!“twitter.com/tobysmith
!!!“facebook.com/therenewablesproject
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