Chasing Light and Silence: A Visual Journey through Sumatra's Highlands
Welcome to my visual journal a story not only of places but of passion. My name is Rahmad Himawan, and this is the space where I share fragments of the world as seen through my lens. Most of my photography is centered on one of the most majestic and understated landscapes in Southeast Asia: the Mount Barisan range, located on the lush island of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Mount Barisan though not volcanically active holds a quiet strength. The mountain range stretches from the north to the south of Sumatra, standing tall like the spine of the island. For me, these mountains are more than just elevated landforms; they are living witnesses to time, weather, and silence. They are the backdrop of my artistic journey, and over the years, they have shaped not only my photography but also my outlook on life.
Morning Whispers in the Highlands
The best time to capture the soul of Mount Barisan is during the early morning hours. Before the first bird calls echo through the forest canopy, the mountains are cloaked in a blanket of soft mist. The silence is profound, interrupted only by the rustle of leaves or the gentle breeze slipping through the pine trees. During these precious moments, the sky often reveals its most vulnerable state painted in pastel hues of blue, lilac, and orange.
On such mornings, I venture out with my camera and tripod, aiming to freeze time in single frames. I photograph the interaction between mountain silhouettes and the slow rise of the sun. These are moments of both technical discipline and emotional release. The weather can be unpredictable, but when nature aligns just right when the clouds open up, when the wind calms magic happens. These are the mornings that reaffirm why I do what I do.
Photography in Isolation and Freedom
Being far from urban light pollution is one of the greatest gifts of photographing in North Bengkulu. At night, the mountains offer a different show a quiet grandeur under a sky lit by stars. On clear nights, the Milky Way makes an appearance, and with long exposures, I attempt to capture not just the stars but also the spirit of isolation that such darkness allows.
What I love about nature photography is the freedom it gives me. I can move with the wind, follow the light, or wait for it. I can study the tiny dew drops on the rice field grass at sunrise or chase dramatic weather systems that paint the sky in chaos. Every frame tells a story some in whispers, some in thunder.
A Deep Love for All Forms of Nature Photography
While mountain landscapes are my main canvas, I do not limit myself to grand vistas. I also delve into the intricate world of macro photography. The veins on a single leaf, the detail of a spiderweb kissed by morning dew, or the subtle textures of tree bark all offer endless fascination. These small elements are the foundation of the bigger picture, and paying attention to them helps me appreciate the complexity and beauty of the ecosystems I work in.
Beyond the micro and the macro, I am deeply drawn to moments that involve human interaction with nature. Farmers working in the paddies, children playing in the hills, or women planting rice together in the morning haze these scenes are rich with cultural resonance. In these moments, nature is not just a backdrop; it is a partner, a provider, and sometimes, a challenger.
Chasing Lightning and Extreme Weather
One of the most thrilling aspects of my photography journey is capturing lightning. Storms in the hilly areas of North Bengkulu, especially around the rice paddies of Kemumu village and the Daun Mountains, present powerful opportunities to capture these moments of raw energy. Timing, preparation, and patience are essential.
To photograph lightning, I often wait for hours, setting up in an open field with a clear view of the storm. The air becomes electrified, the wind picks up, and the sky begins to crack with blinding flashes of light. In those moments, you realize how small you are compared to nature's fury. However, if the timing is right, a single frame can capture that incredible energy frozen forever in stillness.
Kemumu Village: Where Tradition Meets Terrain
The rice paddies of Kemumu village are a frequent subject of my photography. Located in North Bengkulu Regency, the area is rich in agrarian traditions. The rhythmic life of the village follows the cycle of the land planting, growing, harvesting. Mornings here are a photographer's dream. Mist lingers over the fields, and the green expanse is touched with gold as the sun rises.
In Kemumu, I photographed women working in groups to plant rice, their feet soaked in mud, their hands moving in sync. These scenes speak of cooperation, patience, and an ancient connection to the land. The landscape and people seem to exist in harmony, and in documenting them, I try to convey the quiet resilience of rural life.
The Daun Mountains: Wild and Underrated
Another area close to my heart is the Daun Mountains (Pegunungan Daun). This little-known highland mountain range in North Bengkulu offers incredible biodiversity and dramatic topography. I explore these hills on foot, often carrying only what I need to move quickly and photograph quietly.
Here, I have encountered rare insects, tropical birds, and hidden waterfalls. The forest paths are slippery, sometimes treacherous, but the rewards are always worth it. Even the sudden mist that blankets the area adds to the mystery and atmosphere of the scene. The light changes rapidly, and I have learned to adapt changing lenses, recalibrating settings, even altering my planned composition on the spot.
My Process and Philosophy
My photography process is slow and intentional. I spend a lot of time scouting locations, studying the weather, and waiting for the right moment. I do not believe in rushing. Each shot should feel like it belongs to the time, the place, and the emotion.
Editing is minimal. I prefer to let the natural colors and lighting speak for themselves. I believe that if the moment is honest and the composition is strong, it does not need much enhancement.
I shoot with a range of equipment, but what matters most to me is not the gear but the eye the ability to see what others walk past. Whether it’s a single tree against a stormy sky or a flash of lightning over a quiet village, I strive to find that balance between beauty and truth.
The Importance of Storytelling
Every photograph has a story behind it. Sometimes it’s about waiting in the rain for hours. Other times it’s about the unexpected a sudden fog rolling in or a bird landing in your frame at the perfect second. These stories are as important as the image itself. Through this blog, I want to share those stories with you.
Photography is not just about aesthetics. It is a means of witnessing and remembering. It’s about preserving moments that might otherwise be forgotten the way the sun filtered through pine trees one morning, or the sound of thunder echoing through the valley.
Why I Photograph Sumatra
Sumatra is not often in the spotlight when it comes to global nature photography. But for those who look closely, this island holds extraordinary beauty. The mountains, the forests, the rivers, the culture they all offer endless inspiration. I photograph here because I want to show the world a different perspective one that is intimate, respectful, and grounded in love for the land.
I believe that by sharing images of this region, I can contribute to its appreciation and conservation. Nature photography is not just art it is a gentle form of activism. It reminds us of what we stand to lose if we are not careful.
Thank you for taking the time to explore my world. If you’ve felt even a small sense of wonder or connection through my photographs, then I’ve succeeded. May we all continue to seek beauty in the details and power in the stillness.
– Rahmad Himawan -