We took a short break from our fast-paced lives to take in the countryside. You can't be unaffected by the photos in this article.
Daily chores will wait. Inboxes will overflow with dedication and determination and will patiently wait for you. Better to put your phone on vibrate, because these photographs demand a sense of freedom, if not physically then at least mentally. Put a few minutes aside for tranquility and beauty to meet photographer Adi Peretz. The views from his home in the Golan Heights are those photographed here.
Skyscrapers and concrete never appealed to Adi Peretz who's always lived up north, but it was only when he started working in photography that his relationship with the view of untamed beauty was reinforced. Now, he's presenting us with a quality demonstration by virtue of nature.
His love of photography actually evolved overseas when he traveled extensively with a simple camera and a lot of motivation. When he returned to Israel, his good friend photographer Matan Ben-Ami (of blessed memory) decided to mentor him, and he taught him everything he needed to know to become a professional photographer. It was a short leap from that point to ordering a high-quality camera and studying technique independently. During this time, his learning grew exponentially.
When tragedy struck and his dear photographer friend was killed in a car accident, Adi decided to regard his death as a sign that he must follow this new path. This was when he discovered that the views he'd been seeking overseas exist on his home turf as well, right outside his window.
He has a special place in his heart for the herd of wild horses. While they're privately owned, they live their lives freely; they eat and drink off natural resources and have minimal contact with human beings. Despite their wild nature, they don't object to Adi's camera. He's built a relationship with them while observing them through the different seasons of the year, from the height of the scorching summer to the snow from the most recent snowstorm. We shared in Adi's excitement to see the herd protect a newborn foal and a pregnant mare, and to observe a mare nursing its foal: the circle of life in all its glory.
Much in the same way we were surprised to learn that this was all filmed in Israel, Adi Peretz didn't know about the horses until he started to use his camera on a regular basis. Treks through nature had never appealed to him, and he only discovered his love for these experiences through photography. This serves as an excellent reminder for us as well, that sometimes we should put everything aside – the email and cell phone notifications – to take in the countryside.
Photographer: Adi Perez
