Graceful and delicate – a red dahlia shrouded in sensual, mystical smoke

by Marjolijn van den Berg

This photograph: "Sierlijk en fragiel - Rode Dahlia gehuld in sensuele mystieke rook" is a macro shot of a beautiful red dahlia with wisps of smoke drifting past it. This creates a mysterious, exciting yet gentle atmosphere.
The colours in the photograph are warm and complement each other beautifully. The warm orange and red tones are closely matched and lend a sense of unity to the image. The white smoke weaves gracefully through them.

When taking this photograph, I opted for a relatively shallow depth of field to create a sense of tranquillity in the image. (Because this depth of field creates a natural sense of depth). It may seem very simple to photograph the smoke like this, but it took a lot of experimentation to get it right. Getting the thickness of the smoke just right, and also being able to direct it properly, requires some experience...

This warm, elegant photograph would, for example, look stunning as wall art in a romantic bedroom on an ArtFrame above the bed, as wallpaper in the hall as a beautiful eye-catcher, or simply above the sofa in the living room, perhaps on aluminium! It would also look lovely on the wall in a meeting room or waiting room (business setting).
©Marjolijn van den Berg