Matthieu Cotteret’s approach to large format photography and traditional darkroom printing is deeply meditative, with the slow, deliberate process offering ample time for contemplation. These moments of waiting—whether for light to shift or for an emulsion to dry—became integral to the creation of Portrait of Nature. Over time, Cotteret began to perceive the forest as more than a backdrop. He approached it as he would a portrait of a person, recognising the forest as a living entity with its own distinct identity and history.

He imagines our ancestors witnessing these same landscapes, with the forest standing as a silent witness to the passage of time and the evolution of the Earth. Paleobotanists trace the roots of the world’s oldest forests back 385 million years, while humanity’s presence represents a mere blink in this vast timeline, underscoring our fleeting role in nature’s grand cycle.

In the smaller works, this dreamlike atmosphere creates an intimate connection, drawing viewers closer to discover the finer details hidden within the images. The larger prints extend this experience, offering an immersive encounter with the serene beauty of the forest.