The gravesites and family altars of San Miguel are strewn with flowers, primarily large, bright blossoms such as chrysanthemums and marigolds to honor The Day of The Dead. The colorful setting creates a pleasant atmosphere for the celebrants. In spite of the holiday’s fatalism, festive interaction of the living with the dead is an important ritual that salutes the cycle of life. I made this image just outside of a large flower market on the eve of the holiday. I sensed a pensive quality in this expression. She brought the flowers to her nose, smelling the blossoms and thinking, no doubt, of the spirit she believes will be drawn to them. I waited for her face to come close to, but not overlap, the flowers. I wanted to hold that thin line of negative space between them, adding a touch of tension that creates a focal point by pulling the eye to that space.