D.S. Brennan’s photographs are unlike other photographs of nature in that they seem to focus on the subject matter with a microscopic eye. Inspecting what is fascinating to the woman behind the camera. While the focus is on realistic images of nature the color adds a whimsical quality, giving the photographer her signature.
She fluctuates from muted hues…
…to bold bursts of color
Brennan creates a balance between subject and color. One doesn’t over power the other. Where the dragonflies are in tones of sepia we can pay more attention to the detail in their wings, noting how well they were preserved. But the contrast of colors in the dogwood photo shows the life behind the blossom. They burst from the jewel-like sky with deep pink life.
Diana has a great series of work from the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium of Roger Williams Park in Providence, Rhode Island. This may be one of my favorites from that series. Not only are we able to study some wonderfully preserved seaweed, we are able to see the hand of the woman who lovingly preserved her finds from a day at the beach. Who do you think this collection is for? Or is it just a private journal?
Brennan doesn’t limit herself to just depicting the details of nature. She focuses on the big picture too fluctuating from larger themes in nature, leading us into the nooks and crannies to find our own treasures.
While other times, she reminds us to have child-like fun, giving us a quick reminder of good times frolicking at the beach.
I love the range of subject matter we are given by D.S. Brennan’s photographs. We are reminded that sometimes we need to step back and take in the big picture while others we are shown the fine details you can take in if you take it slow.
But most of all, we are reminded that daily life can be celebrated. Beauty is found in the mundane.
For more samples of D.S. Brennan’s work take a look at her shop, flickr and website. Give yourself time to browse, there is a lot of beauty to take in.
