The Ship Wreck Project – Alien Invasion or Balasz Turos?
On cold, dark nights in November 2013, Hooe Lake became the stage for a spectacle that left onlookers both fascinated and puzzled. If you happened to be there, you might have noticed strange events unfolding amidst the hulks and wrecks at low tide. In the inky blackness, elongated shadows moved, illuminated by bursts of intense, bright white light. Like meteors streaking through the night, these flashes lit up the lake and its surroundings, creating an eerie, supernatural atmosphere.
The phenomenon repeated itself over several evenings: bursts of light followed by silence, then more flashes before everything faded back into stillness. Local residents speculated wildly—some whispered about alien invasions, while others insisted they had seen UFOs hovering above the lake. But the truth behind these luminous displays was far more intriguing and artistic than anyone could have imagined.
Introducing Balázs Túros: The Visionary Behind the Lights
The mastermind behind the mysterious spectacle was Balázs Túros, a talented young photographer from Hungary. Balázs, who graduated with a BA(Hons) in Photography from Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in Budapest, was far from an alien invader. His work, blending technical skill with a creative flair, brought the forgotten shipwrecks of Hooe Lake into a whole new light!
The Shipwreck Project: Shedding New Light on Hooe Lake’s Wrecks
Balázs’s venture, The Shipwreck Project, was the cause of the mysterious light bursts over Hooe Lake. Using a large-format 8×10” camera, he aimed to capture the haunting beauty of the shipwrecks exposed during low tide. The project was more than just photography; it was an immersive experience that combined art, history, and atmosphere to reveal the lake’s secrets.
Balázs’s project transformed the stillness of the lake into a dramatic stage, where history and artistry converged. The eerie flashes that once puzzled onlookers became a captivating part of his narrative, inviting viewers to experience the Hooe Lake wrecks from a fresh perspective, one that connects the present with the remnants of the past.
The Tachihara 8×10 Camera: Capturing Hooe Lake’s Haunting Wrecks
To bring The Shipwreck Project to life, Balázs Túros used the Tachihara 8×10, a large-format camera known for its exceptional detail and ability to create stunningly atmospheric images. This analog camera, with its wooden frame and bellows design, allows photographers to control every aspect of the image, from perspective to exposure. It’s perfect for capturing the eerie stillness of the shipwrecks at Hooe Lake, adding depth and character to each shot. With the camera lens fully open in the pitch black of the moonless night, Balázs meticulously navigated the wreck, manually firing hundreds of flashes to illuminate each section. Every area of the wreck was lit up and captured with precision by his large-format plate camera, bringing the haunting scene to life one burst of light at a time. The camera’s large negatives produce incredibly sharp images, ideal for showcasing the haunting beauty of these forgotten vessels.
For more insight into large-format photography and the capabilities of the Tachihara 8×10, check out
Przekrój.orgps://przekroj.org/en/art-stories/the-nature-of-things/)
Beyond the Lights: Balázs’s Vision and Impact
Balázs Túros is more than just a photographer; he is a storyteller who sees beyond the surface. His work not only brings hidden landscapes like Hooe Lake to life but also invites us to engage with history and the stories we might otherwise overlook. The Shipwreck Project stands as a testament to his skill and vision, turning an ordinary lake into an extraordinary canvas for art and imagination.
Balázs’s Journey: From Budapest to Plymouth
Throughout his studies, Balázs demonstrated an impressive commitment to the photographic arts. As President of the Student Union, he played an active role in the university community and joined DEMO (Design and Healthy Model), a collective that promotes art education and a healthy lifestyle through design. He has been a member of the Young Photo Artists Studio in Hungary since 2011, contributing to the vibrant art scene there.
His final-year university project—a photographic series focused on autistic individuals—was exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art (LUMU) in Budapest, demonstrating his talent for capturing poignant and compelling stories. Currently, Balázs served as a Graduate Intern Photographer in Plymouth, working on the War in Plymouth project, where he created intimate portraits of elderly residents, preserving their memories through his lens.