water droplets cling to spines on a vividly colored plantAll images courtesy of Tom Leighton, shared with permission

April 17, 2025

NaturePhotography

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Tom Leighton (previously) is known for highlighting plants’ photosynthesis process by swapping their characteristic greens for otherworldly fluorescent colors. Often focused on the nightlife of specimens found around his Cornwall home, Leighton photographs in a manner that turns common species into extraordinary subjects.

His newest series, Spines, expands on this trajectory. The macro images concentrate on the fine fibers cloaking stems and flowers. Water droplets cling to the surfaces as if the plants had just emerged from a heavy downpour. The glistening botanicals capture the surrounding light, while the thick dew drops add a glimmering, skewed view of the lifeforms that reside underneath.

Prints of Leighton’s images are available on his website. Keep up with his latest projects on Behance and Instagram.

water droplets cling to spines on a vividly colored plant

water droplets cling to spines on a vividly colored plant

water droplets cling to spines on a vividly colored plant

water droplets cling to spines on a vividly colored plant

water droplets cling to spines on a vividly colored plant

water droplets cling to spines on a vividly colored plant

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