Black Rose

During these unprecedented times of "sheltering-at-home", in an effort to protect one another from the spread of COVID-19, finding the beauty around us requires exploration of photogenic scenes a bit closer than most of us might prefer.

When I first began exploring the world through the lens of my camera, I started by shooting everything around me, but it started in outward-moving, concentric circles. That journey started with observations of light and shadow in my own backyard.

Since that time, I have been very privileged to expand that exploration to incredible vistas, in state and national parks, around scenic coastlines, and in the dark skies during astrological events. While it is certainly challenging to be away from those majestic landscapes during this time, it is also refreshing to come full circle and end up in my own backyard, once again.

This intimate landscape is of 3 blooms on a "Black Rose" succulent, during a gentle afternoon rain. As the water drops kissed my face, I found joy in seeking out new and unexpected compositions. This aptly-named black rose was catching shimmering raindrops, which appeared even brighter as they contrasted the dark purple hues of these blooms.

Single Shot
200mm - f/2.8 - ISO 640 - 1/160 sec

Post-processing done in Lightroom and Photoshop.