They are considered symbols of life, of new beginnings. They can be found from the arid deserts of the Southwest to the alpine slopes of the Arctic. Flowers come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. They present textures ranging from fuzzy to scratchy and coarse. Some are incredibly small and delicate, others stout and large. Because of their diversity, and their fleeting appearance and duration, they are always a treat to photograph. Over the years, I have photographed them as a macro subject or as part of a larger landscape. This gallery features images mostly from Alaska, with some from Iceland.