Summer 2022 was a scorcher in France. A heatwave spanning weeks, shocking wildfires, widespread drought and lost crops. Climate change was on everyone’s mind, but still not the priority of the season. It was, after all, the holiday period. The last two summers were ruined by covid and the beginning of the year plagued by the senseless invasion of Ukraine. People just wanted to have fun and forget about the worries of the world.
The sun shone too much though. The lucky ones found respite in the water. I was one of them. Every day I sought shelter in a river. I am unsure how many people noticed the low water level, but everyone enjoyed the warm currents. I was attracted by happy people frolicking around me. Underwater, the light shining on their weightless and carefree bodies against the dark and blurry background was glorious. The sunrays piercing through the water bubbles and the river dust created a perfect canvas.
That’s how I will remember my summer 2022: capturing people relishing moments in a generous and beautiful river while wondering how many more summers are left before it runs dry.
