Peace & Love Convergence

Everglades Holiday Park, South Florida.

Nestled within the sprawling wetlands of the Everglades lies a small patch of land known as the Everglades Holiday Park. It was here that several years ago, I had the privilege of collaborating with National Geographic on a documentary exploring the region's rich wildlife and its impact on the surrounding communities.

As we soared above the park in a small aircraft, scouting locations for our shoot, something caught my eye - a series of waterways that seemed to form the shape of the iconic Peace & Love symbol. I knew I had to capture this unique and striking image from above.

And so, several years later, I returned to this spot, determined to capture the perfect shot. My goal was to photograph the golden hour, when the setting sun would cast its warm glow over the waterways, turning them into liquid gold. I wanted to capture the gentle contrast between the vibrant green of the Everglades and the shimmering waters below.

I returned to this same location day after day, always hoping for the ideal conditions. The weather was unpredictable, and the light constantly changed, but I remained patient and determined.

Finally, after nearly a month of tries, the perfect moment arrived. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with fiery hues. And as I snapped the shutter, I felt like I had captured something extraordinary - a testament to the beauty and serenity of the Everglades, caught in a breathtaking aerial panorama.

I wanted this final image to showcase not just the Peace & Love symbol but furthermore how this man-made site and its waterways fuse seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness of the Everglades. It is a reminder of the delicate balance between humanity and nature and the importance of preserving this precious ecosystem for future generations.