Colorado River Delta #2, Near San Felipe, Baja, Mexico, 2011. © Edward Burtynsky

Benidorm #1, Spain, 2010. © Edward Burtynsky

Toronto-based photographer Edward Burtynsky is known for his large-scale photos documenting the impact of our civilization on the natural landscape. Water, his new project, puts in perspective this natural element and the role it plays for humanity. Covering 10 countries over a five year period, the images tell stories of the “way we shape water and water shapes us.”

Water can be a source and a resource, a ritual site, a pleasure, or a terrible enemy—or it can be totally absent. “My hope is that these pictures will stimulate a process of thinking about something essential to our survival; something we often take for granted—until it’s gone,” says Burtynsky.

In addition to the photos, Water includes Watermark, a feature film documentary which marks Burtynsky’s directorial debut.

Update, 2023: Edward Burtynsky’s newest book, African Studies, took him on a seven-year journey across ten countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Learn more here. 

Xiaolangdi Dam #3, Yellow River, Henan Province, China, 2011. © Edward Burtynsky

Polders, Grootschermer, The Netherlands, 2011. © Edward Burtynsky

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation / Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, 2011. © Edward Burtynsky

Cerro Prieto Geothermal Power Station, Baja, Mexico, 2012. © Edward Burtynsky

Submerged Pipeline, Gulf of Mexico, June 24, 2010. © Edward Burtynsky