Magnolia Photographer Wins World Recognition — How Patti Gary’s Dried Roses Gained Gold

Dried roses not often steal the highlight, however they helped carry Patti Gary’s work onto a world stage. Their curled petals grew to become the centerpiece of a nonetheless life collection.

That collection caught the eye of the International reFocus Photography Awards on the 2025 Color Photography Contest. Magnolia-based artist Patti Gary earned recognition within the Still Life class. With entries from greater than 88 international locations, the award is greater than a flower in her cap. It is a significant recognition for an distinctive expertise.

Gary took house the gold for her Rose Couture collection. She additionally earned bronze for Cobalt and Clementines. In addition, she obtained an honorable point out for the Finch and the Party Crashers collection.

“The competition showcased the spirit of photography in numerous categories,” Gary tells PaperCity The Woodlands. “I’m grateful my work was selected.”

The distinguished panel of judges included jurists representing National Geographic, BBC, Condé Nast and ABC News.

Gary is understood for delicate florals and eccentric fowl “tea parties.” She additionally creates compelling avenue portraits. Her topics vary from soulful musicians to folks dwelling on society’s margins.

Gary works with Canon and Leica techniques. She favors prime lenses and off-camera lighting to form every picture. Techniques like bracketing and focus stacking assist create her signature depth and readability.

A purist at coronary heart, Gary goals to “get it right in-camera.” She makes use of Photoshop solely to take away distractions or form a selected imaginative and prescient when wanted. Her work is rooted in authenticity and by no means depends on Al. Instead, it displays each technical self-discipline and a deeply private inventive voice.

The Rose Couture Series

Gary’s gold-winning collection encompasses a trio of dried roses.

“Couture celebrates the elegance of aging,” Gary says. “Dried roses, with petals curled into rich folds, resemble elaborate gowns.”

Their colours — deep magenta, blush, ochre and seafoam — reveal surprising magnificence. The collection honors grace, resilience and colour in transformation.

Beyond reFocus, Gary continues to play an lively position within the regional arts neighborhood. She lately served as a decide for the Woodlands Arts Council’s Winter in The Woodlands exhibit. The present stays on view by way of February 5.

Her work can be seen all through The Woodlands space. It’s at present on the market at Ardest Gallery and two of her pictures are put in on the Memorial Herman Breast Imaging Center. Gary additionally repeatedly reveals at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival.

In addition, her work has been acknowledged by the Conroe Art League, the San Antonio Art League and Museum and the Texas Photographic Society.

“Picking up my camera and seeing through my lens soothes my soul,” Gary says. “I hope the images I capture do the same for you.”