Komorebi

A photographic collection by Amanda Sutherland | Tasmania | 2026–ongoing

Discovering Beauty by Looking Up

I’ve always enjoyed discovering how familiar surroundings can look different simply by changing where I look.

My Komorebi photography collection is an ongoing exploration of sunlight filtering through trees and the patterns, details and unexpected perspectives revealed when looking upwards into their branches.

The collection takes its name from the Japanese word komorebi, which describes sunlight filtering through trees.

Through these photographs, I share some of the moments that have caught my attention and encouraged me to look a little closer.

About the Komorebi Photography Collection

Komorebi is an ongoing photographic collection exploring the beauty of sunlight filtering through trees and the different perspectives revealed when looking upwards into their branches.

I’ve always enjoyed discovering how familiar surroundings can look different simply by changing where I look. Through this collection, I explore the interaction between sunlight, branches, leaves and sky, capturing the unexpected patterns, details and compositions that emerge.

While searching for a name for the collection, I discovered the Japanese word komorebi, which describes sunlight filtering through trees. I felt it perfectly captured what I had been enjoying through my photography.

As this collection continues to grow, I hope it encourages others to occasionally look upwards, appreciate the natural world around them and discover something beautiful in an everyday moment.

The Collection

Komorebi 001

Komorebi 001 captures a moment of looking upwards through the branches of a tree in Campbell Town, Tasmania. I love exploring how the branches frame the sky, revealing different perspectives of the natural world. After taking this photograph, I was particularly drawn to the placement of the sun, partially concealed by the branches while still allowing its light to filter through. Presented as originally captured, the photograph reflects my enjoyment of discovering the simple beauty found in everyday surroundings.

Komorebi 002

Komorebi 002 captures a view looking upwards through the branches of a tree in Launceston, Tasmania. I enjoy exploring the different patterns and perspectives that become visible when looking towards the sky. After taking this photograph, I noticed how the arrangement of branches reminded me of an aerial view of a river estuary, with smaller waterways branching out across the landscape. Presented as originally captured, the photograph reflects my enjoyment of discovering unexpected similarities and patterns within the natural world.

Komorebi 003

Komorebi 003 explores the different perspectives revealed by looking upwards through the branches of a tree in Launceston, Tasmania. I was drawn to the way a branch crosses the frame, almost concealing the sun while allowing its light to shine through a small gap. After taking the photograph, I particularly enjoyed discovering how the natural glare from the sunlight almost mirrors the shape of the branch. Presented as originally captured, the photograph reflects my enjoyment of discovering unexpected details in the natural world.

Komorebi 004

Komorebi 004 explores the interaction between sunlight and leaves when looking upwards through a tree in Launceston, Tasmania. I chose a diagonal upward angle because I enjoyed how the sunlight highlighted different parts of the foliage. After taking the photograph, I noticed two distinct points of glare that create separate focal points within the composition. Presented as originally captured, the photograph reflects my enjoyment of experimenting with perspective and discovering unexpected details in the finished image.

Komorebi 005

Komorebi 005 explores the way sunlight filters through the foliage of a hawthorn bush in Launceston, Tasmania. Photographed looking directly upwards from beneath the branches, I was particularly drawn to how the sunlight illuminates the leaves, creating a sense of depth within the image. I cropped the photograph to a square format, framing the branch crossing through the composition. This perspective highlights the interaction between light, foliage and the overlapping branches, capturing the simple beauty I enjoy discovering when looking upwards into the natural world.

About the Project

Artist: Amanda Sutherland
Collection: Komorebi
Medium: Colour photography
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Year: 2026–ongoing
Works: Five photographs currently featured
Presentation: Photographs presented as originally captured, with Komorebi 004 & 005 cropped to a square format.