This photographic series began with a deliberate intention: to seek out subject matter that is often overlooked—if not outright rejected—and transform it into fine art. Thistles, an invasive and locally abundant plant species, were chosen precisely because of their reputation. Gardeners and landscapers typically view them as weeds—something to be cut down and cleared away. Yet, within their spiky forms lies an unexpected beauty waiting to be uncovered.

Rather than dismissing these plants as undesirable, this portfolio reimagines them as striking visual subjects. The series invites viewers to reconsider their perception of the natural world, drawing attention to the elegance, resilience, and sculptural qualities of the thistle.

Known primarily for street and portrait photography, my previous work has leaned heavily toward black-and-white imagery. Thistle, however, marks a departure both in subject and in style. Comprising 30 photographs, the portfolio explores a diverse range of colors and compositions, embracing the thistle’s wild geometry through both natural and stylized lenses.

This body of work serves as a meditation on transformation—how something commonly dismissed as a nuisance can, through a shift in perspective, be seen as a subject of quiet strength and enduring presence. The thistle, once unwanted, becomes a symbol of persistence, form, and raw beauty.