The Spirit of Flowers
(AIPF Application Statement by Pete Smith, Kilkenny Photographic Society).

Flowers are all about seduction. Many flowers exist simply to entice insects,
and even birds and bats, to do their will.
Colours, shapes, patterns, scent and nectar are all used to attract these small creatures.

Nature’s design also attracts us, the human race.
We too find flowers seductive and we even use them in our games of seduction.

Their tiniest details inspire and fascinate me.
Whether it be because of the petals or stems, the stamens or stigma, the patterns or the texture,
I find flowers a truly remarkable demonstration of the beauty and diversity of nature.

By using macro lenses, highly saturated transparency film and, more often than not,
a limited depth of field to focus on individual details, I aim to show the beauty,
the seductive qualities, and thus the true spirit of flowers.