Artist Dianne Poinski presents a fascinating collection of layered digital photographs featuring botanical elements. Find more of her work on her website.
![digital botanical photograph of leaves by Dianne Poinski](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/botanicalmemories2.poinski.jpg)
“Botanical Memories 2” photography, various sizes
I never set out to become an artist. My brother was the “artist.” I was a bookworm and good at math. It was those skills that lead me down the path of becoming an accountant.
![botanical digital photograph of golden leaves by Dianne Poinski](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/goldenradiancer.poinski.jpg)
“Golden Radiance 1” photography, various sizes
While going to school to get my business degree, a friend asked if I wanted to take a black and white photography class with her. Saying yes forever changed my life.
![digital photography of leaves by Dianne Poinski](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/contemplation1.poinski.jpg)
“Contemplation 1” photography, various sizes
After taking all the photography courses I could, it was clear I would not get that business degree. And I have no regrets!
![botanical digital photograph of green leaves by Dianne Poinski](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/contemplation2.poinski.jpg)
“Contemplation 2” photography, various sizes
Another friend introduced me to hand-coloring black and white photographs, and everything changed again! For many years all of my images were hand-colored.
![botanical digital photograph of brown leaves by Dianne Poinski](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/recollections1.poinski.jpg)
“Recollections 1” photography, various sizes
I was a little late to the digital photography world. I fought it until I had no choice. Film and paper were becoming increasingly more challenging to get, and many companies discontinued their film products entirely. I waved the white flag and bought my first digital DSLR.
![botanical digital photograph of bamboo leaves by Dianne Poinski](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bamboochorus2.poinski.jpg)
“Bamboo Chorus 2” photography, various sizes
Once I got used to it and developed some skills in Photoshop, I discovered a renewed sense of passion and excitement for photography. I found it easier to translate emotions and feelings into my imagery. I could create a scene that looked like what I was “feeling” instead of merely documenting what was in front of me. Hand-coloring had helped me achieve some of that when I was shooting film, but now I felt like the possibilities were endless!
![botanical digital photograph of leaves by Dianne Poinski](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/improvisation3.poinski.jpg)
“Improvisation 3” photography, various sizes
My latest collection of images featuring leaves and other botanical elements came out of a desire to challenge myself. I started to experiment with layering multiple photographs to create one image.
![botanical photograph of gold leaves by Dianne Poinski](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/scattered2.poinski.jpg)
“Scattered 2” photography, various sizes
Working this way feels like a dance, and I imagine painters think this way when they paint. I can add a little here, take a little away from there, and so on, moving elements until I get the desired composition.
![botanical photograph of bamboo leaves by Dianne Poinski](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/harmonic1.poinski.jpg)
“Harmonic 1” photography, various sizes
All sense of time disappears during these sessions. I start playing around and discovering new ways to add depth, texture or color. Before I know it, the clock (and my sore neck), tell me it’s time to take a break.
![botanical digital photograph of leaves by Dianne Poinski](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pirouette3.poinski.jpg)
“Pirouette 3” photography, various sizes
In many ways, I have come full circle. While the techniques and tools are different, the feelings of wonder, curiosity and delight are the same feelings I had when I first started going into the darkroom. Also, as a self-employed artist for over twenty years, those business courses I took in college have proved to be invaluable!
Artist Dianne Poinski invites you to follow her on Instagram.
I haven’t experimented much with Photoshop. You seem to have fun imagining different color and layers.
Your images are lovely. Well imagined, well executed.