Hidden Kingdom

A rarely-seen world of color, magic and drama exists in gardens and backyards, but few have the chance to see it up close. Thankfully, photographer, gardener and librarian Deborah Carter reveals this secret, hidden kingdom with “Carter’s Macro Show” a macro-photography exhibit set for Friday, June 2 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Wake the Dead Coffeehouse.

Carter’s own backyard first inspired her to take a closer look at the creatures and plants residing in her garden.

“I garden with a trowel in my hand and a camera around my neck,” Carter said. “Macro photography allows us to see the textures colors, and patterns of the natural world in a new and fascinating way, and allows us into the everyday lives of our very tiny neighbors. Ironically, macro photography is larger than life.”

Through Carter’s lens — a Canon 100mm that she calls “the secret sauce,” she’s able to capture and share the dayto- day adventures of the varied and interesting creatures in her garden.

“I check in with them most days and know where they live,” she said. “I see them hunting, eating, communicating and building. I bathe in the smells of the plants and my friends are the worms and ladybugs. It’s a world that knows nothing of human endeavors. And by capturing close-up images of flowers, plants and insects, I can invite my friends to look with me at the level of detail and complexity that is often overlooked in our everyday lives.”

Carter’s photography brings enchantment to the ordinary with vivid detail and vibrant color.

“I feel lucky to grow vegetables for my family to eat among the intricate beauty and details of a magical and mysterious world,” Carter said. “When I am in my garden, everything else falls away. Gardening requires me to be present in the moment and focus my attention on the task at hand.”

Join Carter in exploring the secret, hidden kingdoms that exists right beneath our noses at Wake the Dead on Friday, June 2. The reception will include wine, friends and framed prints available for sale.