The Politics Of My Flora Fascination

Shades Of Green, Become Lovely Shades Of Gray

“Strings of Beads” — Photo by Author

I have photographed a lot of plants since arriving in Oaxaca. I have never thought of myself as a flora photographer. Now these growing green subjects fill half of my camera roll. At odd moments I wonder, how did this happen?

Sometimes I think it’s because they look so very different in shades of gray. Going from green to gray reveals their essence, reveals their personalities, shows their best faces.

Other times photographing plants feels like a political statement. A way of illustrating the silliness, and absurdity, of the human race. We might learn much by checking our egos, and looking to those that were here long before us. They know much about longevity and thriving.

“Round Heart” — Photo by Author

Every plant is unique, much like people in this respect. Though the similarities stop here. Lucky for the plants, as they have no desire to be like people. No way, Jose. People have neuroses, people are crazy, people have egos.

Plants are very good at striking a pose, and holding still. They don’t give a hoot about model releases. Their personalities don’t do a 180 when…