About This Work

‘Morning Glory’ by Mike Grandmaison Winnipeg, Manitoba. Canada My main interest in university was botany, the study of plants. That interest remained with me throughout my different careers in which I made many wildflower images, some in the documentary genre showing the wildflower in its habitat but, increasingly, I prefer to create more interpretive images. Making images of plants is not as easy as it might seem on the surface. An early decision might involve whether to show a particular plant as a pattern of a greater whole or as individual of a species. Selecting a particular plant from among the masses can be a challenge in itself. Once a specific plant has been identified, do you then show it in its entirety, as an individual in its habitat or as an abstraction by selecting only a portion of the plant? The morning glory depicted on the opposite page is a closeup of the central portion of a single blossom that I found near my home. I was particularly attracted to the graphic nature of the flower, focusing on the circles in the middle and the lines radiating outwards like spokes in a wheel. The monochromatic ‘blue’ color joined the elements together. Technically, these types of images are some of the most challenging to make. They require extreme care in ensuring that every corner of the image is ‘tack sharp’ as often, when doing close up photography, you are asking the viewer to examine every minute detail from very close up. Wind is always a factor and any slight breeze can spoil the image. In other situations, one might choose to ‘selectively’ focus on certain flowers and not on others. The control one exerts on the background plays a major role in producing successful closeup photographs. More often than not, the lack of consideration, or poor use, of backgrounds is the main culprit in producing mediocre images of plants that is so prevalent. Giclé photographic print Printed on Hahnemühle William Turner fine art archival paper Laminated Signed & numbered, limited to 25 Certificate of Authenticity included All materials are archival Prints are securely packed and rolled into a wide tube for safe shipping. Insured courier service is included for all patrons.