Tower Hill at Night - A Magical Light Display

The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill has an amazing staff who make this garden one of my favorite places to visit throughout the entire year. Their dedication to curating such a beautiful and diverse array of plants and displays truly shines through in every season, but it’s during the holiday season that they really outdo themselves. They create the most spectacular winter light display that I have experienced, transforming the garden into a breathtaking wonderland adorned with thousands of twinkling lights.

This past year there were additional night events that gave us this experience, one of which was the “Stranger Plants” exhibit. This innovative showcase featured other-worldly imaginings of what plants might look like in alternative realities, pushing the boundaries of creativity and imagination. Each installation was a testament to artistic expression, blending whimsical designs with the fascinating world of botany. Creativity abounded, engaging visitors of all ages and inviting them to marvel at the possibilities of nature’s wonders.

The overall experience at the New England Botanic Garden, especially during the holiday season, allows for reflection and joy, making it a beloved destination that captivates the heart and imagination year after year.

As you can tell from its size, this mushroom might be thinking of exploring the world to see where it can find its next meal! Its impressive stature hints at a wide array of adventurous possibilities beyond the forest floor, where it could thrive in search of sustenance. Don’t let its beautiful colors fool you, as its vibrant hues are not just for show; they signal a hidden danger. As its spores will approach you with their hive-mind abuzz, a dance of tiny particles weaves through the air, showcasing the unfathomable interconnectedness of nature. This mushroom, both exquisite and enigmatic, serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between beauty and peril in the wild.

Author: jansenphoto

A Fresh Perspective Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment. Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael. My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals. Universal Connections My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation. This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections. Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client. And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography! View all posts by jansenphoto