The Prix Pictet, an international prize and exhibition platform focused on photography and sustainability, has announced its eleventh cycle, Storm. This broad and complex theme explores the unseen, relentless forces shaping the world today, including environmental collapse, political upheaval, economic instability, and social unrest. Camille Seaman, a photographer shortlisted for the Prix Pictet in 2025, has spent years making images that highlight the interconnectedness of nature’s forces.
Seaman’s work is not about spectacle, but about duality – beauty and terror, creation and destruction. Her images of supercell thunderstorms and icebergs showcase the sublime and the fleeting nature of these natural phenomena. Seaman’s photography journey began at a young age, with a fascination for cameras and photographs. She grew up in a poor family, but her parents encouraged her creative pursuits, and she eventually attended the High School of Music & Art in New York City.
Seaman’s introduction to photography was accidental, but it became a way for her to express herself and document her life. After high school, she worked odd jobs, including a stint at a one-hour photo lab, where she was given an old 35mm film camera and encouraged to photograph her experiences. This marked the beginning of her journey as a photographer. Seaman later attended the New York School for Art, where she honed her skills and learned from renowned photographers like Jan Groover.
Seaman’s photography career gained momentum after she realized the importance of photographs as historic documents. This epiphany came after the World Trade Center fell, and she had pictures of the buildings from her time as a bike messenger. She understood that photographs could serve as proof of a moment in time and provide a connection to the past. Seaman’s work has taken her to the Arctic and Antarctic regions, where she has photographed icebergs and supercell thunderstorms.
Photography as Storytelling
In an interview with Jim Casper, Seaman discussed her approach to photography and her experiences in the field. She talked about the importance of understanding light and its impact on her images. Seaman also shared her practice of printing and living with her pictures, which helps her identify what makes her work unique. This process involves removing images that don’t feel like her own and articulating what makes the remaining ones special.
Seaman’s work with icebergs and storms has triggered feelings of grief and anxiety, particularly in recent years. She has become more aware of the impact of climate change and the fleeting nature of these natural phenomena. Seaman’s experiences have also influenced her approach to photography, and she now strives to create portraits of icebergs and storms that capture their essence and personality. As she continues to document these phenomena, Seaman hopes that her work will inspire people to see the world in a new light and appreciate the beauty and fragility of nature.
Seaman’s photographs of supercells and tornadoes demonstrate her bravery and skill as a photographer. She has learned to be hyper-present in the field, anticipating the perfect moment to capture an image. Seaman’s work is not just about documenting natural phenomena but also about conveying the emotions and feelings that come with experiencing them. As she faces the challenges of photographing storms and icebergs, Seaman remains committed to her craft, driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to inspire others.
One of Seaman’s most striking images, Mammatus Clouds IV – Nebraska, USA, June 2008, showcases the beauty and power of supercell thunderstorms. The image features a dramatic cloudscape with mammatus clouds, which are rare and fleeting formations. Seaman’s ability to capture this moment is a demonstration of her skill and patience as a photographer. As she continues to explore the world of storms and icebergs, Seaman’s work remains a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of nature.
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Photographing the Sublime
Seaman’s approach to photography is characterized by her ability to capture the sublime and the fleeting nature of natural phenomena. Her images of icebergs and supercell thunderstorms are not just documents of these events but also portraits that convey the essence and personality of her subjects. Seaman’s work is a demonstration of the power of photography to inspire and educate, and her commitment to her craft is evident in every image she creates.
Challenges of Storm Photography
As Seaman reflects on her experiences photographing storms and icebergs, she notes that the act of photographing differs significantly between the two subjects. With icebergs, she is often on a boat or ship, and the movement of the vessel can make it challenging to capture the perfect image. In contrast, photographing storms requires a high level of anticipation and preparedness, as the window for capturing an image is often very short. Seaman’s ability to adapt to these different environments and capture stunning images is a demonstration of her skill and dedication as a photographer.
Seaman’s image, The Great Downpour, Bertha, MN 20 June 2014, is a striking example of her ability to capture the power and beauty of supercell thunderstorms. The image features a dramatic cloudscape with a massive storm cloud and a torrent of rain. Seaman’s use of light and composition creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer into the heart of the storm.
Seaman’s experiences photographing storms have also given her a unique perspective on the impact of climate change. She notes that the increasing frequency and severity of storms are a sign of the changing climate, and that her images can serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness about this issue. As she continues to document the beauty and power of storms, Seaman hopes that her work will inspire people to take action to protect the environment and preserve the natural wonders of the world.
A Portrait of the Storm
Capturing Nature’s Fury
Seaman’s ability to capture the beauty and power of these natural phenomena is a demonstration of her skill and dedication as a photographer.
Seaman’s photograph, Stranded Iceberg, Cape Bird, Antarctica, December 25, 2006, is a striking example of her ability to capture the beauty and fragility of icebergs. The image features a lone iceberg, isolated in a frozen environment, its surface glistening in the sunlight. Seaman’s use of composition and light creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability, highlighting the fleeting nature of these natural wonders. As she continues to document the beauty and power of icebergs, Seaman hopes that her work will inspire people to appreciate the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations.
She notes that the increasing rate of melting and the resulting changes to the Antarctic environment are a sign of the changing climate, and that her images can serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness about this issue. Seaman’s camera captured the Iceberg in Blood Red Sea, Lemaire Channel, Antarctica 29 December 2016, a moment that showcases the beauty and fragility of these natural phenomena.
