On View: 2026 Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Exhibit
Last summer, I photographed a series of images for the newly opened Smithsonian Gardens orchid exhibit, More than a Flower: The Connective Power of Orchids, at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and in partnership with the U.S. Botanical Garden.
The photographs were created for the information panels throughout the exhibition, so copy space and readability were key considerations in the compositions and lighting techniques. We created a backdrop of tropical greenery in the greenhouse, recruited fabulous staff members to hand model and selected a variety of orchids from the Institution’s extraordinary collection. The shoot was lively and so much fun, despite the 100º+ heat index inside the greenhouse in August! 🥵
The exhibit celebrates the contributions the African American community has made to orchid conservation and propagation, and highlights how a shared love of plants can connect us all. It was a deeply rewarding project to work on with an incredible team.
The exhibit will be on view from January 30–April 30, 2026. Entry is free, though a timed-entry pass for the museum is required–same day is usually available. If you're in the DC area, I hope you'll check it out. Learn more here.
