Natural Light: Visions of British Columbia

Review By Mollie Ralston

November 4, 2013

BC Studies no. 142-143 Summer-Autumn 2004  | p. 322

THIS COFFEE TABLE BOOK is a jewel of photographs captured by the author after long hours of waiting for “the moment” or when he just happened to see light and colours juxtaposed perfectly. The accompanying text shows an appreciation of spaces as well as an engaging personal touch. As one who loves the many faceted views of BC and the expanses offered by its varied outlooks, my only criticism is that David Nanuk has chosen well-known areas such as the Queen Charlotte Islands and the West Coast Trail, and though picturing them in a hitherto unseen light, has neglected lesser-known sections of the province. There is nothing from the northwest quarter of BC, for example, which in itself has many spectacular photographic possibilities. What about the Edziza volcanic formations or the magnificent canyon of the Stikine River, to mention only two sites in that area? 

But the author has no doubt realized that all of BC cannot be fitted into one book and so has chosen his personal best instances of natural light. In that respect, the photographs very much appeal to one’s sense of beauty and colour and leave us in awe of the majesty and diversity of BC.