“Winner”, International Garden Photographer of the year, “Abstract Views,” 3rd Place, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, UK

This is the first explicitly botanical competition I’ve entered my gilded flower photos in. It’s quite a surprise to be one of the top three winners in the Abstract Views category for my “Arrangement for Crete” gilded photo on vellum! Crete was a dear family friend who used to call me “Sweet Loraine” after the song by that name. The IGPOTY is run in association with the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London and has touring exhibitions throughout the world. The exhibition at Kew opened Feb. 5, 2022.