The Light in the Dark

As flowers enter the final stages of their life, petals begin to curl creating shadows and contrast. Increasing decay brings out enchanting sensual, and thought provoking shapes. Is there beauty for ashes? This photographer believes there is.

Nothing in nature escapes mortality. As a flower enters its last season, its beauty appears to increase. Shadows form as petals and leaves bend and curl creating sensual, thought provoking images. I started taking pictures of dying flowers after I saw an award gallery on Instagram called, Lovelydeadcrap. I was intrigued and found myself being drawn more and more to expiring flowers and leaves, seeing the beauty in the dried, curling petals. Using my Laowa macro lens I feel I can really get into the soul of the flower and see some details we miss with the naked eye. The narrow depth of field creates such a lovely dreamy effect. Leaves become magical with little to no editing. Dying is not an easy subject. Both my parents died with me holding their hand. I’ve always felt blessed to witness their last breath and found beauty in the life that once occupied the fragile failing body. I feel the same for flowers. Their lives once so vibrant, yet fleeting. So when the petals start to twist and curl and fall, you can be sure I’ll be there, camera in hand, capturing their last breath.