Warm yellow light like the setting sun sprinkles on the glass, a horse galloping through wind and snow; by the window, a woman holding a cup of hot tea gazes quietly. Canadian photographer Evan Ning captured this moment of intertwining movement and stillness in his work “Contemplating the Wind”, which is also one of the entries for the 5th NTD International Photography Competition.
Evan Ning is a seasoned cinematographer and lighting designer, having worked on multiple Hollywood film and television productions. He revealed that the inspiration for “Contemplating the Wind” came from his experience filming a documentary on glass art.
One winter, Ning accompanied a filming team to visit glass artist Malem, witnessed the birth of a glass painting depicting a galloping horse, and learned that Malem’s inspiration stems from her three-decade companionship with horses at her stable behind the house.
“We seemed to have formed a spiritual connection with the horse in that moment,” said Ning. Believing the horse should run through the forest, he hung the artwork by a window, using the jungle and snow outside as a background and adjusting the lighting to add warmth to the scene.
As Malem sat by the window, quietly admiring the new artwork, Ning noticed the expression in her eyes, reflecting the emotional depth accumulated through years of interaction with horses. He immediately captured this heartwarming moment. Ning said, “I am especially satisfied with the interplay of movement and stillness in the fleeting light and shadow in the image.”
Ning explained that the composition of “Contemplating the Wind” employs an “in-frame” layout, providing a visually stable aesthetic; the symmetry between the person and the painting conveys a “calm and profound internal tension.” For Ning, the essence of artistic expression is to truthfully portray the emotions and light that touch the soul in an instant.
Being selected as an entry for the NTD International Photography Competition holds great significance for Evan Ning, saying it brought him a new awareness in his creative mindset. He recognized the importance of expressing “humanity”, as it is the core vessel of vitality.
Ning believes that the emphasis on traditional aesthetics in the NTD Photography Competition aligns with his creative philosophy. He emphasized, “While photography relies on modern optoelectronic technology, its soul must be rooted in traditional aesthetics.” Apart from photography, Ning is a frequent visitor to museums, studying classical painting art to understand how masters arrange compositions, control color layers, and use light and shadow to narrate characters’ stories.
He also noted that many contemporary photography competitions pursue visual impact and avant-garde structures, while the NTD Competition stands out. “What attracts me most is its adherence to ‘traditional values’ and ‘positive energy’,” Ning said. “This pursuit of pure aesthetic ideals serves as a precious guiding principle for photographers.”
Looking ahead, Ning expressed his commitment to exploring the traditional spirit advocated by the NTD Competition and creating more meaningful works. He likened photography to a window, allowing the audience to see stories and emotions through light and shadow, gaining inner tranquility, warmth, and reflecting on the meaning of life.
Ning firmly stated, “That is where the greatest value lies in my photography career.”