PEOPLE

Through the lens of Chris Perani

Capturing the inherent beauty of the outdoors, photographer Chris Perani discusses the art of balancing technology and nature, and the intricacies of his collaboration with COS.

It’s easy to see how Chris Perani’s affinity for nature was born: ‘Growing up in San Rafael, I was surrounded by incredible natural beauty – from fog-covered hillsides to redwood forests, beaches, and the bay’, the California-based photographer recalls. ‘Exposure to such breathtaking landscapes gave me a deep appreciation for my surroundings and a desire to share that.’ And so began a lifelong mission to capture nature’s hidden treasures and showcase them to the world.

These early experiences in ever-changing environments and an array of ecosystems fostered a profound appreciation for the unpredictability of the natural world, which remains a central theme in his work. ‘I like that you have no idea of what you're going see when you put it under the microscope. With butterflies and minerals, I'm constantly surprised.’

His vision explores the intersection of photography, technology and science, where precision is key. ‘Photography is the artistic lens through which I express nature’s beauty, while technology allows me to push its boundaries.’ By using sound sensors, lasers and extreme macro techniques, he captures ephemeral moments, such as the bursting of water balloons or the intricate scales of a butterfly’s wing. ‘These elements work together toward a common goal: documenting and revealing hidden worlds.’

‘My goal is to draw attention to the idea that beauty is all around us – it just sometimes requires a closer look.’

In his ongoing quest to uncover the unknown, Chris continuously refines his techniques through trial and error. He incorporates a rail system and specialised equipment to achieve the accuracy required for extreme close-ups. ‘You see all these chasms, textures and crevices that you had no idea were there. Even ordinary subjects, like a simple mineral, become breathtaking when viewed up close. It’s like hiking through a forest – there’s always something new to discover.’

Through his work, Chris hopes to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world, highlighting the often-overlooked details. ‘My goal is to remind people that there is so much more than what we see at first glance. I want people to slow down, look closer and find beauty in the small moments. Ultimately, I hope my work fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexity of nature.’

To find out more, we caught up with Chris to learn about the significance of technology in his creative process, and the intricacies behind his exclusive collaboration with COS.

‘Photography is the artistic lens through which I express nature’s beauty, while technology allows me to push its boundaries.’

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

‘Growing up in San Rafael, there are the hillsides, fog and forests, so you have all these very different climates. I really was captivated with the hidden beauty that was around me. I used to photograph waterfalls and the bay – it transitioned into a metaphor to be able to showcase these things, being exposed to it. We were always doing things outside.’

WORKING WITH WATER

‘Photographing water and ink manipulations was one of my earliest projects. I was fascinated by how each splash was unique and completely different from the last – it's capturing this moment that you can't see with your own eyes. Over time, I started experimenting with sound sensors and lasers to capture moments like water balloons popping. This involved constant trial and error, fine-tuning timing and solving problems like wind interference with sound sensors. It was a foundational learning experience for my process today.’

THE BEAUTY OF THE BUTTERFLY

‘I visited the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, where they have a four-story rainforest filled with live butterflies. I would photograph them with a macro lens, capturing the entire butterfly. One day, I visited their entomology room and saw butterfly scales under a microscope – it was like discovering a new world. The intricate textures on their wings were mesmerising. From that moment, I became obsessed with capturing those hidden details, which completely transformed my photography.’

‘What excites me most is how this wearable art draws attention to the hidden beauty in everyday life, offering a tactile way for people to experience my work.’

REFINING TECHNIQUES

‘I started with a regular macro lens, photographing insects in the wild. But as I grew more obsessed with the textures and details I could faintly see, I wanted to bring them to life. I transitioned to using StackShot and microscope objectives, paired with a rail system to focus precisely. Over the years, I’ve refined this process through constant documentation, iteration and problem-solving, using the same basic tools but evolving the technique.’

THE COS COLLABORATION

‘I’ve always imagined my work translating to clothing, as it merges the intricate beauty of nature with wearable art. The textures and patterns I capture, particularly the scales on butterfly wings, naturally lend themselves to fabric design. These abstract, detailed images create unique prints that people can wear, allowing them to carry a piece of nature with them. What excites me most is how this wearable art draws attention to the hidden beauty in everyday life, offering a tactile way for people to experience my work.’

THE FUTURE

‘Technology like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) imaging is shaping the future of nature photography in fascinating ways. LiDAR uncovers hidden secrets of the natural world without causing damage. It allows us to document and explore more ethically and precisely, opening up new ways to visualise environments that were previously inaccessible. As nature photographers, we can complement our work with these scientific advancements, expanding how we explore and understand the world around us.’

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

What’s your creative soundtrack?
Noah Kahan – Stick Season.

In the studio or out in nature?
Out in nature.

What’s your happy place?
Marin Headlands next to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Favourite type of butterfly?
The Saturn Moth.

Favourite piece from the collection?
The scarf-detail dress.



Words by Brittany Du-Crow
Portrait by Douglas Adesko
Photographs by Chris Perani