Flower portraits from the book Intimacy by Joyce Tenneson, used with permission.

Portrait photographer Joyce Tenneson lectured recently in St. Louis. At the risk of sounding selfish, she spoke at the perfect time. Staying visually motivated on assignment had become increasingly painful. I critically needed to hear the language of photography, to soak in the liquid inspiration. I needed a calming presence. I needed reassurance that photography is and will continue to be a tangible form of beauty that communicates to use on a visceral level.

At Joyce’s presentation, she spoke softly, charismatically, warmly. Her voice summoned tranquility. She weaved in personal and commercial work, each carving their own lyrical themes. Near the end, she presented photographs from her book Intimacy: the sensual essence of flowers, featuring beautiful and trance-inducing portraits of common and exotic flowers. It was arresting, graceful, and seductively serene. At the end of her lecture, I bought a copy of Intimacy. She wrote my name and “Blessings” on the inside cover. Thank you.

Several days later, I carried a heavy burden of frustration home from the paper. It had been especially hard persuading editors on several visual ideas. I remembered what Joyce said about compromise when photographing pieces that pay the bills. I lamented for my personal work. Late before bed, I opened Intimacy again and paddled along the pages like a canoe on a silent lake. Around me, the world hushed. I dived into each photograph and studied every detail. It was a truly hypnotic experience. I immediately felt visually refreshed. The pages lapped up frustration. I sensed that calm, confident, and assertive self. Visually the flame of passion grew.

It seemed so surreal. How could a simple subject such as flowers be so entrancing, so magnetic? Energy flowed from the crisp pages. Remarkable, I said aloud.

So simple, so perfect.

If you have had the opportunity to review Intimacy, I would love for you to share your thoughts. If you have not yet, I strongly recommend picking up a copy. It is a small and unobtrusive book that is certainly well worth a part in your collection.