All animals evolve in one way or another. For this series, shot for The Overview: Meditations on Nature for a World in Transition, photographer Ben Toms zeroes in on the reptiles, amphibians, and insects that exhibit perhaps the most remarkable transformative journeys. 

In one image, two hands are submerged in clear water, guiding along a swimming salamander. This is familiar territory for the once aquatic amphibian, though a cascade of mutations has now transformed it into a mostly terrestrial being—its larval gills and fins now shrunken into lungs and legs. Another photo captures a butterfly resting between two human eyes—crinkled, paper thin wings indicative of the insect’s time folded inside the casings of a brimming chrysalis.

And on a bubblegum pink background lies the translucent skin of a snake, a quintessential image for evolution—the theme of The Overview’s third chapter—as the reptile is constantly sloughing off its outer layers to begin anew. 

Some of these creatures have experienced full metamorphosis, completely changing form. Others have gone through partial adaptations, shedding their older sheathings to grow new parts throughout their lives.

Toms, along with stylist Robbie Spencer, set designer Janina Pedan, and makeup artist Crystabel Riley, have framed these ever-evolving species in a way that is interactive with both humans and nature’s elements, showing all facets of evolution within the confines of a studio setting.

“This shoot was an incredible opportunity to focus on the creatures we so admire,” said Pedan. “I’m hoping these photographs will be a way to share the breathtaking beauty of animals that might otherwise be considered creepy.”

Coupling the creatures with their human and nonhuman counterparts in this project works to actualize that hope, along with highlighting a power we all share: the ability to evolve.