“Among the grand landscapes and broad vistas lie the simple and commonplace, which combined, make up those vast scenes. Often overlooked, they are beautiful in and of themselves.” – Ed Lehming

Something that I am ever conscious of, and often observing, is the humble scenes like this; a small cluster of plants creating something beautiful in their simplicity. This composition of the yellow flowered Beach Evening Primrose and the white Lappula Squarrosa immediately caught my attention as I strolled along the shoreline at Estero Bluffs State Park.

It’s these micro-scenes that I am reminded make up the larger landscapes that are more generally photographed. Looking at small compositions like this is very satisfying to me and allows me to take the time to recall when I and why I made the image to start with.

I have been very deliberate over the years to acquaint myself with the flora and fauna that I capture in my photographs, and I find great satisfaction in conducting research and expanding my knowledge about them. What truly captivated me in this instance was the abundance of small wildflowers thriving in this harsh environment. As evident from the image, the predominant features are the dry and tough roots, intertwined with resilient grasses that adorn the summits of these cliffs. Furthermore, the landscape is constantly battered by the wind and sprayed with salt from the ocean just a few meters below these rugged bluffs.

These sturdy, low-lying plants have evolved to withstand the relentless winds that sweep across this landscape, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. Their vibrant hues create a striking contrast against the predominantly yellow and parched grassland, infusing the environment with life and color. As I immerse myself in the natural world, I continue to deepen my understanding of the intricate balance and purpose that governs every element within this expansive ecosystem, reaffirming the significance of every living being within its own microcosm of the greater world.

I made this image with that in mind. There was a profound sense of connectedness, as if every element in the scene was intricately woven together. The composition unfolded effortlessly, exuding a sense of harmony and balance that felt remarkably natural. It’s important to me to appreciate as much of the environment in which I’m photographing as possible. It invokes the same connectedness for me as I witness when photographing them.

iPhone 14 Pro Max back triple camera 24 mm
1/2304 sec, f/2.2, ISO 50