The visual beauty of plants, especially flowers, is usually appreciated during the day. But what happens to flora at night? Artist and photographer Tom Leighton explores this idea by capturing the lives of flowers, succulents, and other plants that can only be seen with night vision.
Entitled Variegation, this name refers to the numerous colors that appear on a plant’s leaves and stems, which is correlated to the amount of chlorophyll it possesses. “After the sun fades, the process of photosynthesis stops, and respiration begins,” Leighton explains on his website. “Plants begin to burn their stored sugars, assimilating some of the precious oxygen they created during the day.” Each photograph features a fluorescent-colored plant, dominated by a stunning combination of pinks, blues, and oranges.
“In darkness, growth continues, with careful calibration of the rate at which plant’s fuel reserves are burnt,” he adds. “The colors I have used in this series represent the light absorbed into the plant’s structure and its conversion into energy.” Leighton chooses to immerse the viewer into a close-up view of these natural wonders, ranging from an individual leaf to a shot of several blossoming flowers. As a result, the plant and its unique form, coloration, and characteristics are made center stage.
Scroll down to see more photos, and follow Leighton on Instagram to keep up to date with his latest project and upcoming exhibitions.
UK-based artist and photographer Tom Leighton examines the beauty of plants at night in a series of macro photographs.
The series, called Variegation, refers to the multiple colors that appear on a plant’s leaves and stems, which directly correlate to the amount of chlorophyll.
These photographs feature flowers, succulents, and other plants.
Tom Leighton: Website | Instagram | Facebook
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Tom Leighton.
Related Articles:
Ultraviolet Photography Reveals the Unexpected Fluorescence of Flowers
Swirling Liquid Photography Resembles Blooming Flowers Frozen in Time