Magnolia Photo Series

Many may be familiar with the movie and term Steel Magnolias. According to Wiktionary “steel magnolia” is a term chiefly used in the Southern United States that exemplifies a female who is feminine with fortitude. I have heard the term most of my life. Living in the Southeastern United States I can also testify to the prolificacy of blossoming magnolia trees.

The actual Magnolia genus is ancient. Though it is the official state flower of both Mississippi and Louisiana, a variety (Magnolia sieboldii) is also the national flower of North Korea.

All of that being said, why does the magnolia flower appeal to me? At some point a photographer realizes many beautiful flowers are not photogenic. Not even close. Magnolia blossoms are not only photogenic, their likeness exudes an enigmatic quality, as though there is always something more to the plant than what is pictured.

Below is a series I am working on titled Magnolia. Series title may change. This is an ongoing and evolving project.