The Peony Project
I began The Peony Project by chance in 2017 after passing a lush bush of peonies during an early morning walk. Having only my iPhone in hand I chose a camera app that would allow me to create large image files with a macro lens feature, and began shooting. Since then I’ve expanded my shooting beyond that garden (always peonies and always with my iPhone) and within my small window of opportunity before the blooms die. I never use filters and my minimal editing and post-production work which is done primarily for lighting correction, color balance, and tone, is mostly done in the phone as well.
My hope for this ongoing project is to present the lyrical and balletic nature of these blossoms, with the desire to be more than decorative in the end, but rather dramatic and transcendent. To photograph these flowers is an intimate and often unusually speedy process since my time with them can be fleeting as the natural light changes. I am often thrilled with the quality of movement and gesture I have captured in these images when I review them after shooting.
This project is ongoing and evolving.
PRINTS & NOTECARDS: The Peony Project Photo Note Cards and Open Edition Fine Art Prints are available via my ONLINE SHOP here. Larger Editioned archival pigment prints ranging in size from 20” x 20” to 30” x 30” are also available. Please feel free to contact Beth at beth@bethburstein.com for details and pricing.
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