Barbara Reiner

Barbara Reiner

Credit: by Evelyn Pasco with permission

About Barbara Reiner

Years ago, I was a floral designer in New Haven, CT, having studied at the New York Botanical Gardens. I based my designs on the practice of Ikebana or Kado - the flower path. My approach was intentionally minimalist so folks could appreciate the individuality and beauty of each blossom. My floral design work was very popular. As a florist, one must present perfect blossoms! A client gave me a book of Robert Mapplethorpe’s photos of flowers…and I promised myself to put together a body of work that inspired me as much as those photos. Orchids particularly appeal to me because of their variety, spectacular colors and markings, distinctive forms, longevity and their purposeful consideration in the scientific exploration of evolution.I went back to school to study photography and graphic design and closed the shop around 2000. Professional portrait and commercial product photography was a great learning experience although not very enjoyable. I have been photographing flowers in earnest for over ten years and considering the maturity of my “straight photography” efforts, the time is opportune to explore. Using a macro lens, standing very close, it is joyful to capture a tiny detail. With macro magnification, in post, it is enjoyable to “touch up” tiny flaws and specs on a plant or flower, something I could not do as a florist. In the past, I frequently shot hand-held on location in manual mode, stopped down and of necessity started to experiment with adding external lighting. As a result, most of my images, even the prized ones, tended toward low key. If I managed to get an acceptable hi-key image it was typically in a controlled studio with more elaborate lighting and a plain pale backdrop. Many of the subjects I really wanted to photograph can be a challenge to do in the field, particularly if they are presented in a curated exhibit at a botanical garden.Coincidentally, I don't really see large vistas, I see small details and want to see them incredibly large. Georgia O'Keeffe and Robert Mapplethorpe are typically at the “tip of the tongue” when discussing botanical photography either as a source of inspiration or emulation. It is wonderful to learn more about artists. In 2018, I met Alan Shapiro at the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens and started to follow his work. Some of his botanical portraits evoked an ethereal sense of back-light and his work inspired me to work with a new approach. Last summer, I rigged up a light box using a neighbor’s discarded ceiling light. Getting in very close to focus on a detail and also capturing translucency, my images became something quite different from a straight flower portrait. I quickly began to love the results. The next logical step was working with the Kaiser slim light plano. A fern frond becomes not just part of a green plant mass but a celebration of delicate green ribbons. I had started thinking about this several years ago after attending a New York Botanical Garden’s Symposium by Robert Llewellyn. He built an elaborate indoor set up with a large, permanent light box, and a computer driven camera suspended overhead to focus stack and composite breathtakingly sharp images. Alan’s approach is less physically restrictive. Recently, I discovered the work of Bill Jacobsen, famous for de-focused abstracts. His work ripped off a self-imposed blinder and I went abstract and sometimes ultra minimal and as always, only shooting botanicals. And, most recently after attending a  New York Botanical Gardens abstract workshop, knew it was time to  shift focus.At Southern Connecticut State University, this semester, my portfolio development exhibit will include an interactive installation. It will be fun to encourage fellow students to engage directly (draw with pastels, markers, etc) with a large digitally printed panorama which combines literal and abstract botanicals. It is wonderful to concentrate on producing work that fulfills a creative vision that has slowly developed since I pulled that first roll of developed film from the canister almost 40 years ago. I am pleased with prints using Moab Entrada Rag Bright 190 matte paper with an Epson P800.  Many of the images evoke a painterly quality.I use a Nikon D810 camera and a 105m f.28 macro with/without several extenders. Natural lighting is often supplemented with some combination of diffused speed lights, macro twin lights, continuous led lights, and a Kaiser slim light plano. Manual or auto focus typically is dependent on camera position which is rarely over 2 feet from the subject. Flowers make me happy! I love to explore their colors, centers, forms and lines…and am thrilled that much of my work reflects this.


EducationBA. Art History 1971, Fordham UniversitySouthern/Central Connecticut State University 1999 to present: Film & Digital Photography, Advanced Film & Digital Photography, Documentary Photography, Photographing People, Photography Portfolio Development; Art Studio, Graphic Design, Communication, Marketing & MBA coursesNew York Botanical Gardens 1988 to present: professional floristry, studio, botanical, macro & abstract photographyAwardsBillboard Design (Council for Advancement & Support of Education) 2001International Garden Photographer of the Year - (Kew Gardens short list macro) 2011Best in Show Macro Photography (New York Botanical Gardens) 2011, 2013, 2015Package Design (Paperbaord Council) 2014Most Relevant  Work ExperienceAwesome Photos (CEO), 2008 to presentutilize advanced graphic design and photography skills to design and implement print and digital campaigns for entrepreneurial clients. SEMPO certified. Commercial portrait & gourmet photography.North Haven Camera Club (guest presentation) 2016Developing a photographic vision & style.Buds & Blossoms Floral Design Studio (CEO), 1985-2000founded and developed New Haven, CT floral design company; created, marketed and produced floral products and related gifts; designed, developed, and maintained company website; designed all promotional and advertising material.


Professional roles: Photographer

Location: United States