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a photograph of giant rhubarb with a light emitting from the center of a leaf, in a pink and teal hue
All images © Tom Leighton, shared with permission

Beguiling Botanicals Fluoresce in Tom Leighton’s Otherworldly Photographs

Kate Mothes

When it comes to foliage, there’s a reason it’s called “greenery.” But for Cornwall-based photographer Tom Leighton, common plants take on otherworldly dimensions when rendered in unexpected hues.

The artist’s latest series, Fabled Gardens II, focuses predominantly on giant rhubarb, ferns, and rhododendrons, highlighting the captivating patterns and layers of leaves, fronds, and flowers. Leighton illuminates the botanicals at night, setting crisp outlines against dark backgrounds.

a photograph of ferns in an otherworldly greenish-gray hue

Leighton’s photographs (previously) emphasize what he describes as the “forces that shape the natural world,” tapping into the power of light and color to illustrate dynamic biological processes like photosynthesis, reproduction, growth, and decay.

The artist is currently preparing for forthcoming print releases. Follow updates on Instagram, and explore more on his website and Behance.

a photograph of giant rhubarb with a light emitting from the center of a leaf, in an orange and teal hue
a photograph of rhododendrons in an otherworldly pink and green hues
a photograph of giant rhubarb in a pinkish-orange hue
a photograph of giant rhubarb with a light emitting from the center of a leaf, in a blue and teal hue
a photograph of giant rhubarb with a light emitting from the center of a leaf, in a pink hue
a photograph of ferns in an otherworldly pinkish-gray hue

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