Color Metamorphosis

 

This collection of flora was shot during a week-long journey through the Karoo and Namaqualand an area on the west of South Africa in search of a unique event; the bloom of color that appears from the dust. Once a year the monochromatic desert landscapes go through a Color Metamorphosis when meager rains arrive.

This kaleidoscope of blooming flowers takes the monotony away from the landscape, lasting for about a month each year, filling them with life and color.

 

The colors, variety, and existence of these flowers depend entirely on the small amount of rainfall they get at the start of the year. If there’s no rainfall, there will be no flowers.

 

These leaves appear to have droplets on them, but they are actually part of the plant.

 
 
 

While taking these images, I often limited myself to a different perspective, using a wide-angle macro lens I was able to not only capture the centimeter long flowers but to capture them in the immensity of their surroundings. 

 

I still can’t believe the crazy shapes and mechanisms behind these beautiful beings.

 
 
 
 
 
Luke CooperTravel