Reading · Test 28

Once in a blue moon?

Nature photographer David Smart reflects on his job and the rarity of some of the unusual natural phenomena he photographs.

I tread carefully, trying to crush as few of the beautiful flowers as possible. But I need to get in the best position to photograph this stunning display of blue, violet and yellow that fills the view. Where am I? In one of the royal London parks in spring? Maybe the famous Kawachi Fuji flower gardens of Japan? No, I’m in the driest place in the world, the Atacama Desert in Chile. And in front of me is the wonderful sight known as Desert Bloom. I angle my camera, focus and click. Job done, I can now stand back, breathe in the scent of millions of flowers and enjoy the moment.

Seeing a rare natural phenomenon like the Desert Bloom is not a one-off for me; I’ve photographed the Niagara Falls when they were partially frozen over; I’ve experienced the weird and wonderful rush of darkness during a total eclipse. I’m lucky that my work as a professional nature photographer takes me to some of the most amazing places in the world and pays reasonably well. However, it’s the really unusual sights which nature occasionally provides for us that really fascinate me. As one of my photographer friends says, ‘It feels a real privilege.’

But in reality, just how rare are events like these? Tabloid headlines need to sell copies and imply that they are once-in-a-bluemoon events. ‘Niagara Falls completely frozen over’, shouts one newspaper,’The only total eclipse you’ll see in your lifetime’, shouts another and ‘Miracle of flowers in the desert’, says a third. In fact, these phenomena, although unusual, are not as unlikely as the hype suggests. Niagara Falls have partially frozen over several times – when winds from the North Pole brought arctic temperatures further south (a symptom of climate change). And although apparently inexplicable, those stunning flowers in the desert will flower again in another five or seven years. The seeds lie in the soil and will grow whenever there is a lot of rainfall.

Real, once-in-a-blue-moon events do happen, but it is only by chance that they are ever seen or recorded. For example, there’s one spectacular event that I would desperately love to see. It’s known as a Fire Rainbow, but is actually neither connected to fire, nor a rainbow! Sadly, I’m never likely to see one anywhere apart from in a photograph. These incredible optical phenomena, which appear to be amazing combinations of colours in the sky, only occur when there is a very specific combination of atmospheric conditions. In addition to this, they are only visible from high altitudes.

Being in the right place at the right time is what a nature photographer like me longs for, but it doesn’t happen very often. I got my wish once, and like the Desert Bloom it was in Chile. I was there to film a volcanic eruption at Volcan Calbuco, a very dangerous active volcano. While filming, I was treated to a rare display of volcanic lightning. This is a unique type of electrical reaction that happens inside a great cloud of ash, otherwise known as a ‘dirty thunderstorm’. I say ‘treated’, but the experience was so terrifying that my first instincts were to run like mad! The attraction of photographing one of the greatest light shows on earth was, however, very strong and those pictures are among the best I have ever taken.

I think my obsession with these rare natural phenomena should be quite clear by now! I’m very fortunate to have a job which allows me to travel to record as many as I can. The scientific reasons behind such events are certainly fascinating, but for me it will always be about their magnificent beauty. The powerful surprises that nature continues to deliver will never cease to amaze me. Whether they are just unusual or truly once in a lifetime experiences, I can’t see myself ever getting tired of chasing them.

Now, maybe just one more photo of these incredible flowers…

Is it time we went Dutch?

Two toddlers have just chased each other to the top of a climbing frame and are pushing to get down the slide first. Their mothers are chatting on a nearby park bench. In the distance a little boy wobbles along on his bike, followed by his grandfather who is pushing a buggy. A gang of older children comes racing along the bike path, laughing and joking. They overtake a young mum who is cycling more slowly, balancing a baby in a seat on the front of her bike and a toddler on the back. A group of girls is playing on the grass and not far away, some boys are perfecting their skateboarding moves. And none of the school-age children is accompanied by an adult.

This happy scene isn’t from a movie. It’s just a normal Springtime afternoon in the Netherlands. Is it too perfect? Realistic? Idealistic? 37. Their teenagers are said to be among the happiest in the world and even newborn babies are supposed to be far more contented and smiling than their counterparts in different countries. Of course, the big question is why? And can Dutch parenting skills, the education system and their general priorities in life teach the rest of us anything important?

One significant factor could be the Dutch parents’ attitude towards achievement. For them achievement doesn’t necessarily lead to happiness, but happiness can lead to achievement. Success starts with happiness. They do not push their kids to learn quickly; the children are allowed to develop in their own time. 38. Primary school children are not given homework, and reading and writing skills are not usually taught until the age of six. Learning to play together is of first importance. Carefree childhood lasts just that bit longer.

Security is vital for a happy child, and the Dutch try to forge strong family bonds. For example, it’s traditional for the whole family to eat breakfast together every single day. Dutch dads also play a big part in bringing up the children, taking an equal role in child-rearing and doing household chores. 39. You’re just as likely to see a dad pushing a pram or wearing a baby-carrier as a mum!

Another interesting point is that independence in Dutch children is encouraged early on. 40. They are taught to be self-sufficient and accept responsibility at an appropriate age. Playing outside unsupervised (often considered noisy and disruptive in other cultures) is seen as an important stage in the growing up process.

One common cause of dissatisfaction in many people today is an obsession with material things. 41. For the Dutch, practicality usually tops luxury and children often grow up wearing second-hand clothes and playing with used toys. Check out King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam – a major attraction is the enormous second-hand market where children become traders for the day, buying and selling old toys!

Of course, many countries claim to be ‘the happiest places to live’ or ‘have the most contented people’ for a variety of reasons. 42. However, in the end, most happy adults start off as happy children. And while there may be some things about Dutch parenting or education that we do not completely agree with, they are undoubtedly doing something right.