Bonaventure Cemetery is a rural cemetery located on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, east of Savannah, Georgia. The cemetery became famous when it was featured in the 1994 novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt, and in the subsequent movie, directed by Clint Eastwood, based on the book.
Why the title of this collection ?
It was many years ago since I visited Savannah on my way home to Knoxville; where I was living at the time, from a trip to Edisto Island. I learned about Bonaventure Cemetery, like most folks then, from the movie based on the book by John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The beautiful photography of the ‘Bird Girl’ by Jack Leigh. A statue of and young girl holding a bowl on each hand, with a lush backdrop of Spanish moss draped live oak trees.
I always wanted to see the statue, and capturing it in infrared. The stark, eerie, an ethereal quality it would bring to the image. Those of the characteristic that drew me into infrared photography.
It was many years ago since I visited Savannah on my way home to Knoxville; where I was living at the time, from a trip to Edisto Island. I learned about Bonaventure Cemetery, like most folks then, from the movie based on the book by John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The beautiful photography of the ‘Bird Girl’ by Jack Leigh. A statue of and young girl holding a bowl on each hand, with a lush backdrop of Spanish moss draped live oak trees.
I always wanted to see the statue, and capturing it in infrared. The stark, eerie, an ethereal quality it would bring to the image. Those of the characteristic that drew me into infrared photography.
Twenty odd years ago, the beginning of digital photography, I was still shooting analogue. I didn’t have the converted Canon cameras like I have today. I experimented with infrared film; Kodak HIE film was my choice. Highly sensitive, specialize film for infrared spectrum 750nm- 840nm. When in use, a specialized filter was required. I recall keeping the film away from extreme heat and light before use. During my first visit to Bonaventure, I kept the HIE film in a Ziplock bag stored in a cooler. Today, I now use 2 converted infrared digital cameras by Life Pixel. Hyper Color (470nm and beyond) and Super Blue (285nm-465nm). Love them both!
My first visit to Bonaventure, never got the luxury of time to really take in the absolute beauty of what Bonaventure has; as well as Savannah. That’s another story. I did find out the ‘Bird Girl’ was not there; she was removed and currently at the Jepson Museum in Savannah. That did not stop me from visiting Bonaventure and see what I could capture with my infrared film.
Fast forward to today, October 2022. I got an opportunity to revisit Savannah and Bonaventure Cemetery. I was so ecstatic, I couldn’t wait. The journey to Savannah from Memphis, took just shy if 10 hours’ drive time. Including the mandatory drive thru of Atlanta. Ugh the traffic! Final arrived in Savannah about dinner time. I recommend The Ordinary Pub.
Fast forward to today, October 2022. I got an opportunity to revisit Savannah and Bonaventure Cemetery. I was so ecstatic, I couldn’t wait. The journey to Savannah from Memphis, took just shy if 10 hours’ drive time. Including the mandatory drive thru of Atlanta. Ugh the traffic! Final arrived in Savannah about dinner time. I recommend The Ordinary Pub.
The following morning, my first stop is Forsyth Park; to visit Forsyth Water Fountain. It was the most impressive view at the end of the wide walkway, line with canopy live oaks and cascading Spanish moss. Forsyth Park history dates to mid-1800’s as one of many phases’ major improvement. The fountain did not arrive until 1935. On to Bonaventure!
Finally arrived at Bonaventure, the excitement was so overwhelming for me, my detailed, organized map of Bonaventure so I would not miss anything was totally disregarded. The beauty of Bonaventure, just allowed me to slow down, take it all in. I got the time to really enjoy, compared to 20 odd years ago. One of my goals was to find the locations at Bonaventure, that I photographed with my analog infrared camera 20 years ago; and re-shoot with my two converted Canon infrared cameras.
The weather was pleasant. Perfect for infrared. While walking the grounds, I discovered locations I obviously missed the first time. Interesting way the moss hangs from the tree, over variety of tombs, headstones and statues. A dream for artist of all genera.2.5 hours later, breakfast was wearing off. Was not sure if I found at least one of the locations I captured 20 years ago. But continued to shoot; thinking ‘that looks familiar’. It was only a two weeks later, after the trip, I pulled some old infrared negatives, found the two locations I did manage to capture. Mission accomplished!