Embrace the Fog
I’ve always loved fog and found solace in its elusive embrace. Maybe because I don’t like to see things clearly or don’t want people to have a clear view of me; or perhaps I like thinking of fog as a canvas that helps me unleash my inner Dracula, seeking refuge from the harsh light of the world.
In the world of photography, fog offers a unique opportunity to delve into the realm of shadows and highlights, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. It becomes a partner in our creative journey, allowing us to capture images that resonate.
Last week, Freddy, my inner critic, was unusually nice. He noticed the fog first and whispered: “Allow the fog to be your ally, let it create an atmosphere where ambiguity thrives. Use it to your advantage – let it obscure details and invite viewers to interpret the scene through their own lens.”
The fog grants us the cloak of darkness and forces us to explore our mysterious side. But it also has a way of hushing the world and seize this silence to tell stories.
As I was setting up this shot of the Verrazzano Bridge and the ducks on the surface of the water…
…this scene came to me out of nowhere:
EXT. MAINE, USA / ABANDONED LIGHTHOUSE - NIGHT
A thick blanket of fog rolls in, shrouding the desolate landscape. The beam of the abandoned lighthouse struggles to pierce through the mist.
LUDWIG SCLAR, a weathered fisherman in his 50s, stands near the cliff's edge, peering into the vast unknown.
MAYA DE PUTHOD (40s), a woman with an air of mystery, approaches him.
MAYA: Quite the fog tonight, ain’t it?
LUDWIG (looking into the distance): Aye. The sea is wrapping us in her secrets.
MAYA: Just like life. But that fog has a way of hiding what we're not ready to face.
LUDWIG: You sound like one of those academics from Bates. I’m just a simple fisherman.
MAYA: Our inner fog can be as thick as this one. Hiding truths, veiling intentions.
LUDWIG: Like I said, I’m just a simple fisherman.
MAYA: Simple, perhaps, but no stranger to life's storms. We're all sailors navigating through our own foggy waters.
LUDWIG: Nothing that a good night’s sleep can’t cure.
MAYA: It’s so beautiful out, I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight. At least not alone.
LUDWIG: Thank God I won’t have that problem. (Smiles). Gotta get back home. The wife’s making dinner.
And he leaves.
MAYA: What an asshole!
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And here are a few memorable scenes from popular films. If you can think of any others, drop them in the comments. And please share your foggy photos too.
Casablanca (1942):
The airport scene at the end of "Casablanca" is shrouded in thick fog as Rick and Ilsa make a heartbreaking farewell.
The Others (2001):
Several eerie scenes in "The Others" take place in a foggy atmosphere, enhancing the suspense and mystery of the haunted house.
Silent Hill (2006):
The entire town of Silent Hill is enveloped in dense fog, creating a nightmarish and atmospheric setting for the horror film.
The Mist (2007):
In this Stephen King adaptation, a mysterious mist descends on a small town, bringing with it deadly creatures and a sense of claustrophobic dread.
Sleepy Hollow (1999):
Tim Burton's adaptation of Washington Irving's tale features fog-laden scenes, adding to the gothic and haunting atmosphere of Sleepy Hollow.
The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959):
The classic Sherlock Holmes adaptation includes fog-covered moors, creating a mysterious and ominous backdrop for the detective's investigation.
The Exorcist III (1990):
A chilling scene in a hospital corridor, filled with thick fog, adds to the suspense and horror in this psychological thriller.
Blade Runner (1982):
The dystopian cityscape of "Blade Runner" is often shrouded in a dense, neon-lit fog, creating a visually stunning and cyberpunk atmosphere.
An American Werewolf in London (1981):
The moody foggy landscapes of the English countryside play a crucial role in this horror-comedy as the protagonist faces the supernatural.
The Fog (1980):
John Carpenter's "The Fog" revolves around a town haunted by ghostly mariners, emerging from a supernatural fog to exact revenge.
So, step into the fog, y’all! Let it be your accomplice. Unveil the enigma that lies within.
Happy fogging!
‘Til next time,
ak
In Radio Days Diane Wiest gets lost in the fog, in a hilariously heartbreaking way
I just love me some fog. A foggy day in London. Or anywhere, where silhouettes tease and taunt shapes like a nomad. Film noir without mist is impossible to imagine. Then there's the fashion of fog, of trench coats, hats, and a useless umbrella. Fog is my elusive friend bordering on the suspense of darkness. All hail the blanket of fog!