Chasing Blooms
Wildflowers are tiny artworks in and of themselves, breath-stopping beauties, gifts from the divine sprinkled like rain drops along our journey to remind us to be present and appreciate the little things in life, to take joy in the ephemeral moments. They provide food, shelter, medicine and nourishment for wildlife and humanity. They are what inspired me to pick up a camera and learn how to use it.
They are also indicators of the state of the environment. Landscapes across the globe have reliably exploded with color each spring. But, as heat moves into the higher altitudes, as deserts become hotter and dryer, as snow melts faster and rains become more unpredictable; so do wildflower blooms and the composition of their communities. They tell stories about the impact of human-caused climate change and show us the need to protect the places where they live. Thankfully, scientists across the globe are working to understand what plants need for survival and conservation groups are working to preserve our public lands and the beauty of wildflowers in the wilderness.
Every year, I look for opportunities to photograph storytelling images of wildflowers, to better understand what they are telling me about the places they live and the changes afoot, to capture their intricate beauty in new ways, to see and show through the lens, their unique and sometimes seemingly mystical and magical abilities of adaptation, and to greet friends again as they return each season.
I chase blooms across the state of New Mexico and beyond from early spring to late fall and post the results here. I hope you enjoy and learn a little along the way.
