New Blog — Sean Ryan Photography, LLC

November 27th, 2021 - my first blog post

Let me tell you about my grandmother, Garland. She was the sweetest lady and very loving family member. I would Vision her frequently. We played board games, I helped her with gardening. I had the privilege of embarking on various excursions alongside her . Grandmothers are amazing aren’t they!?

My grandmother had a deep devotion to her faith and was an avid attendee of religious services at her local church. She was known for her inner strength and fortitude, traits that remained with her until her passing. Although she is no longer with us, her legacy continues to live on through the memories she left behind. It is with this in mind that I write this tribute

As a keepsake to commemorate my grandmother's life, I respectfully removed a single bloom from the wreath of her resting place. Like all things, that flower too eventually wilted and perished, reminding us of the transience of life. For over five years, I have strived to capture an image of that flower that would embody the multitude of qualities my grandmother embodied - strength, beauty, sacrifice, talent, perseverance, kindness, and love. This endeavor is a tribute to her legacy and all that she stood for

The flower I had preserved was still attached to its stem, although some of its petals had naturally fallen off due to the passage of time. Despite this, the flower retained a pale yellow hue and many of its petals remained intact. The delicate state of the flower serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of life.

With care and precision, I secured the flower stem to an alligator clamp and positioned it in a manner that would allow for optimal imaging. To enhance the overall aesthetic, I utilized two to three lights, modifying them to emit a warm, golden-brown hue. A piece of beautiful golden-brown plywood, which I had on hand, served as the backdrop for the arrangement. Over the course of two hours, I attentively captured and refined images of the flower and its petals, making adjustments as necessary and being mindful of the placement of every element. I am confident that I was able to effectively create the desired result.

In conclusion, life is a fragile journey that involves shedding various layers over time. As much as death is a difficult and sorrowful aspect of life, it also has the potential to bring new meaning and perspective. A life makes sacrifices in order to bring forth new growth and renewal. My aim was to capture this delicate balance of life and death in a single image, showcasing the beauty and significance of all that lies between.