Behind the Portrait: Crown of Flowers

When people see Crown of Flowers, they often ask how the portrait came to be. The truth is, it was never created with awards in mind. It was created for Dani.

I first met Dani just seven months earlier, in October 2023. Her mum’s daughter had purchased a portrait session as a gift, with the hope of creating beautiful artwork for her mother’s home. It was one of those sessions you never forget. Dani had the gentlest presence, and I completely fell in love with her.

A few months later, in February, she modeled for me again during a branding session. Then, in March, everything changed. Dani was diagnosed with cancer.

I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

I felt she deserved a portrait that would immortalize her beauty, her softness, and her quiet strength. Every time I thought of Dani, I pictured grace. She felt regal to me… like a queen.

Then the lightbulb moment came.

She shouldn’t simply be surrounded by flowers.

She should wear a crown of them.

I envisioned soft, flowing spring blooms in delicate pastel tones—something whimsical, timeless, and worthy of the soul I saw standing in front of me. So I made her a flower crown by hand.

Knowing Dani’s health, I wanted the session to be as calm and stress-free as possible. The lighting was intentionally simple, and once the crown was gently placed on her head, we worked quickly. Within seconds, we had captured so many beautiful portraits.

But one image stopped me.

There was something about the way she held herself. The stillness. The dignity. It didn’t feel like I was looking at a photograph of a dog.

It felt like I was looking at the portrait of a regal soul.

That was exactly what I had hoped people would see, not just a beautiful Great Dane, but a life worthy of being honoured.

Two weeks later, Dani passed away.

I had no idea this simple portrait would go on to receive international recognition or capture the attention it did. If I’m honest, the awards have always felt secondary.

What matters most is that Dani’s family has this portrait. A piece of her that will outlive us all.

Sometimes I wonder if all those awards weren’t really for me at all.

Maybe they were the universe’s quiet way of nodding to one of the most exquisite souls I’ve ever had the privilege of photographing.

Sometimes portraits choose us.

I thought I was creating a portrait for Dani’s family.

Looking back, I think I was creating a legacy for one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever known.