This past week, I had the absolute honor of photographing one of Mystic’s most beloved springtime traditions—Books in Bloom at the Mystic & Noank Library, presented by the ever-talented Mystic Garden Club.
Walking into the library felt like stepping into a curated dream: literature met florals in the most creative, thoughtful displays. My job? To capture the essence of each arrangement—without disturbing their natural presence. That may sound easy, but when every petal and prop is so delicately placed, moving anything—even slightly—could shift the energy of the entire composition.
Thankfully, I had the ever-helpful Valerie Grimm by my side, holding a compact backdrop for me as I played with light and shadows to bring out the intricate details. In a room filled with natural light, that added control makes all the difference. Some of these pieces were tucked in corners, close to windows, or surrounded by bookshelves—each one presented a new challenge and a new way to see art through my lens.
Whenever I photograph another artist’s work, I always try to find their muse within the piece. As creatives, we often build everything around one central focus—something obvious or maybe more subtle. Once I find that anchor, everything else falls into place, and the story becomes clearer.
Being part of Books in Bloom reminded me how lucky I am to collaborate with people who care so deeply about beauty, creativity, and community. Take a look at the final work here:
📸 While you often see me covering big events or having fun across Connecticut, I also partner with local businesses, nonprofits, and creators to produce professional photography and content that reflects their vision. Whether you’re in need of marketing visuals, storytelling reels, or branded campaigns—I’m always open to new projects and collaborations.
Let’s keep making Connecticut beautiful—one frame at a time.
Check out other fun events here.
JEAN MICHAEL
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