Vanishing into thin air – The serene Pluizenbol by Marjolijn van den Berg

This photograph: "In de rook opgaan – De serene Pluizenbol" shows the fluffy seed head of a morning star. White smoke rises from this beautiful seed head.
The smoke also dances subtly around the morning star, lending the work a mystical and serene tranquillity. At the centre of the image is this remarkable fluffy ball, also known in the botanical world as the Tragopogon. It is the larger and more elegant relative of the well-known dandelion.
The macro photograph zooms in so closely on the structure that the delicate texture of the fluff and the geometric perfection of the ball are beautifully showcased, despite the smoke.
I enjoy experimenting with different elements in my photography, and smoke is one of them. It seems very easy, but getting the smoke to the right thickness and controlling it properly is quite tricky. In this photo, it was quite a quest to get the smoke into the Morgenster and have it emerge subtly, but I managed it! This minimalist style suits modern and Scandinavian interiors well, where natural elements and calm tones predominate. The soft, understated colours and the focus on natural textures make it a timeless piece of wall art that subtly draws the eye without being overpowering. The work is ideal for larger formats on the wall, as this is when the microscopic details of the seed plumes really come to life. In this way, this photograph brings a touch of nature indoors as a fixed focal point in a living room, bedroom or office.