The terraced rice paddies of southern China are breathtaking, with flowing lines and vibrant colors that make them look like nothing else on Earth. Thierry Bornier has spent two years creating stunning photos that make the terraces look more like abstract paintings than landscapes.
Bornier shoots mostly in Yunnan province, where the famous Yuanyang rice terraces sit at elevations as high as 6,500 feet. They undulate from the hillside in majestic patterns that mirror the clouds and sky. In some places, farmers have created as many as 3,000 terraces, using a complex series of ditches and canals to move rainfall and spring water from one place to another.
"The fusion of man and nature creates awe-inspiring beauty," Bornier says. "I love the patterns and the diversity of each site."
The photos look like aerial shots, but Bornier never left the ground. He seeks out high vantage points and shoots with an 80-megapixel Phase One digital camera. Like any good landscape photographer, Bornier pays close attention to the sun, shooting in the morning or evening so the paddies are drenched in colored light. Sometimes the light mingles with algae in the water to create hues so deep and vivid you'd think they were Photoshopped (they aren't). Bornier also uses clouds or fog to accentuate the dramatic patterns on the hills.
The Hani people first terraced the hillsides 1,300 years ago. Given their long history and overwhelming beauty, the Yuanyang terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Getting there requires a long bus ride followed by a hike, but Bornier says it's worth the effort. He's even conducted photo workshops in the area to help others get the perfect shot.
Surprisingly, Bornier is self-taught, with no formal training in photography. He came to it from the fashion industry, working at Lacoste–he eventually became CFO of its operation in Shanghai—before getting bored with the corporate day-to-day. He put down the spreadsheet and picked up a camera. It took several years, but he now supports himself with commercial and fashion work throughout China. "I wanted to find my freedom and do something more artistic and creative," he says.
