Dain L. Tasker The Love Life of Plants — DOP

Dain L. Tasker
The Love Life of Plants

February 15 2025

Dr. Dain L. Tasker (1872-1964), began producing X-ray images of flowers while working as chief radiologist at Wilshire Hospital in Los Angeles, when radiology was in its beginning stages.

He began these experiments in the 1930s, probably as gifts for his nursing students. He later collaborated with photographers, who helped him print and promote his work. His X-ray photography gained recognition, with his most famous image, a calla lily, printed by Ansel Adams.

Flowers are the expression of the love life of plants.Dr. Dain L. Tasker

Tasker’s ghostly renderings of plants join the ranks of other botanical photographers such as Karl Blossfelft or Craig Burrows, both previously featured here.

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