Thomas Joshua Cooper, a pioneering landscape photographer, has had a remarkable journey filled with both breathtaking images and life-threatening situations. His work, which has taken him to some of the world's most extreme and remote locations, is a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication to the craft. Cooper's story is not just about the stunning photographs he has captured, but also about the numerous close calls and near-death experiences that have shaped his unique perspective on life and art.
A Passion for the Extreme
Cooper's fascination with landscapes and the unknown began early on. He enrolled in a photography course to "meet girls," but it was his initial failure that sparked his interest in the visual world. "I began to understand that the visual world had a structure that I'd never thought of before," he reflects. This newfound appreciation for the power of images led him to choose landscapes over people, as he is "socially awkward." His desire to explore the physicality of places and capture their essence through photography drove him to seek out some of the most challenging and remote locations on Earth.
Life-Threatening Adventures
Over the course of his career, Cooper has found himself in numerous life-threatening situations. One of his most harrowing experiences occurred in Venezuela, where he ventured into a jungle filled with unknown dangers, including snakes and giant bugs. While staying in a tent, he was bitten by a large bug that was eating its way across his thigh, causing a massive flood of blood. In a moment of panic, he tried to cauterize the wound with a burning lamp, only to cause third-degree burns. This close call left him with a lasting reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.
Another near-death experience occurred when Cooper found himself trapped in quicksand while crossing the American border along the Rio Grande. With a 20-kilo tripod on his back, he had to make a split-second decision to save himself. "I thought I'll drown myself and that will be it," he recalls. But a moment of clarity led him to realize that the tripod could be used to his advantage. By extending it, he was able to lift himself out of the quicksand, a decision that likely saved his life.
The World's Edge Project
Cooper's most ambitious project, "The World's Edge," took over three decades to complete and resulted in hundreds of photographs of places around the Atlantic rim. This project has allowed him to circumnavigate the globe, capturing images of the most extreme points and locations surrounding the Atlantic Ocean. His work is a testament to his unwavering determination and his desire to push the boundaries of what is possible in photography.
A Master of the Craft
Cooper's mastery of the craft is evident in his use of an 1898 large-format camera, which he operates with precision and patience. He typically makes only one exposure at each site, and then develops and prints the image by hand. This meticulous approach to his work has allowed him to create some of the most stunning and iconic images in the field of landscape photography.
A Lasting Legacy
Cooper's impact on the world of photography is undeniable. As a teacher, artist, and maker of singular vision, he has helped shape generations of photographers through rigorous studio practice, deep technical knowledge, and an enduring commitment to the craft of image-making. His work has redefined the relationship between landscape, time, and the photographic image, inviting us to encounter the world's most remote places with patience, precision, and profound attention.
In conclusion, Thomas Joshua Cooper's story is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the human spirit. His photographs are not just stunning images, but also a reflection of his own personal journey and the challenges he has overcome. As he continues to explore the world's most extreme locations, his work will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
