The Bluffs

US American photographer Lori Ordover produced her series, The Bluffs, during a period of deep mourning. Consequently, it is all the more touching that her magical black and white images speak of pure joy. We spoke about light and shadow, and the power of photography.

Why did you produce ‘The Bluffs’ in black and white?
Lori Ordover: My spouse had recently passed away, and I had just moved to a new home near The Bluffs [Santa Monica]. As I watched the happy-go-lucky visitors enjoying their picnics, reading books, flying kites, and basking in the beauty of the sky and ocean, I couldn’t help but feel envious of their carefree joy. They seemed so different from how I was feeling – weighed down by grief.
I decided to capture the vibrant beauty of The Bluffs in black and white. This style of photography more closely represented my emotional state at that time, as if the world around me had lost its color and vibrancy. And yet, through my lens, I was able to find a way to channel my pain into something beautiful – a poignant tribute to the stunning scenery that had become my refuge in a time of heartache.

The atmosphere in your pictures is very peaceful and harmonious. How would you describe your photographic approach?
To capture the essence of The Bluffs, I made it a point to visit during the early morning and at sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon. I would angle the camera to the sun, creating silhouettes of the subjects in front of me.
This photographic technique is a personal favorite of mine, because it allows me to focus less on the details and more on the form and emotional connection I feel from the contours of the body. By reducing my subjects to mere shapes against the vibrant background, I evoke a sense of raw emotion that to me is captivating. I feel as if I am capturing not just a moment but a feeling – a fleeting but powerful connection between myself and the world around me.

You produced these pictures during a time of mourning. In what way did photography help you during this very difficult phase?
When I pick up my camera and focus on the world around me, something magical happens. It’s as if I’m transported to another dimension, where time slows down and my senses become heightened. In those moments, I find myself in a meditative state, my heartbeat slowing as I become one with my surroundings. Through the lens of my camera, I see the world in a different light – every color, every shape, every contour takes on a new level of significance. And in that space, I find moments of relief from my grief – a brief respite from the heaviness of loss.
As I capture the beauty of The Bluffs and its visitors, I feel a sense of peace wash over me, even if just for a moment. It's in those moments that I'm reminded of the power of photography – not just to capture an image, but to capture a feeling, a state of mind, and a connection to the world that can be hard to find in our day-to-day lives.

Please complete the sentence: Photography means (to me)…
Photography means a way to capture my world in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful. It’s a way to freeze a moment in time and preserve it for years to come, to evoke emotion and tell a narrative through the power of visual art.
Photography is also a way for me to connect with my surroundings on a deeper level – to see the world in a new light and find moments of peace and healing amid the chaos of everyday life. Whether I’m capturing the vibrant scenery of The Bluffs or the intimate details of a loved one’s face, photography is a way for me to celebrate life and all that makes it worth living.