March & Rock #30: Solstitium

The concept:

Spend all 24 hours of the summer solstice in a single city to take photographs. Pick one photograph for each hour and compile an edition of March & Rock in chronological order.

The execution:

On Wednesday the 21st of June 2023 I committed myself to what would turn out to be quite the creative endurance test. Arriving just before midnight I left my van at a waterfront parking lot and walked across the Rheinkniebrücke into Düsseldorf, excited to discover what this day would bring me. The first hours without sunlight prompted a deep dive into long-exposure photography, something I wasn’t too familiar with but thoroughly enjoyed. Around 5:00 twilight directed me back to the van to stash the tripod and after a quick coffee, I continued wandering through the city, chasing the first rays of sunlight.

As the day progressed and the kilometres added up, fatigue made its appearance. At first I fought it, but eventually I understood that acceptance is the best response. Slowing down physically allowed me to get back up to speed mentally and regain my focus. It was interesting to experience how your state of mind influences what you see and where your attention goes. Accepting physical discomfort creates mental space and opens you up to your surroundings, allowing you to be more receptive.

The moment the sun had turned the town gold, the whole city seemed to have come out to celebrate the last beams of light on this longest day of the year. I made my way past the crowd of modern day sun worshippers and picked up my tripod to go for another round of night photography to complete the project. Satisfied, tired, euphoric and still in discovery mode, I arrived back at the van minutes before midnight. This was definitely the longest day of the year.

The photograph on the front cover of this issue is also available as a signed and numbered art print. You can get it separately, in combination with this issue or as part of a subscription.

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