Photographer Nick Brandt's images of mummified and almost charred corpses on a lake in Tanzania, East Africa, are horrifying as they are eerily beautiful.
Due to a deadly combination of temperatures that can rise to as high as 60 degrees celsius and the high alkalinity levels in Lake Natron -- a result of the dense accumulation of volcanic ash from the Great Rift Valley -- the carcasses of these birds and bats are calcified and almost frozen in time. When the birds submerge beneath the water into the pH 9 to pH 10.6 level water -- composed of high soda and salt content -- the animals die and are arranged in such a way that all that persists is the blackened, singed remains.
Nick Brandt's shots, documented in his new book 'Across The Ravaged Land' use a monochromatic shots to highlight the ghostly animals that will remain perched, lifelessly, along the lake.
Charred Carcass Portraits
Nick Brandt's Portraits of Calcified Animals Look Like Charred Remains
Trend Themes
1. Calcified Photography - Opportunity for photographers to explore new methods of capturing unique, haunting imagery of mummified animal remains through innovative and creative photography techniques.
2. Extreme Environment Tourism - Opportunities in the tourism industry to offer guided expeditions to remote, high-temperature environments where visitors can witness the haunting beauty and rare calcified remains.
3. Conservation Awareness - Using Nick Brandt's images as a starting point, organizations and businesses can create educational initiatives focused on conservation awareness to protect endangered species and their habitats.
Industry Implications
1. Fine Art Photography - Nick Brandt's 'charred carcass portrait' images offer a new digital fine art photography genre, giving fine art professionals an opportunity to experiment with unexplored and distinct techniques.
2. Ecotourism - Emerging niche market for adventurous individuals who want to explore extreme tourism destinations in remote and unique settings.
3. Wildlife Preservation - Conversations and awareness regarding wildlife preservation need to occur both at the local and international level in order to provide stronger protection for endangered species and the places they inhabit.