GARDEN GAZING - 3 FLOWER PHOTO TIPS

Photographing flowers - it's a great way to create some instant artwork.
Have you ever came across an amazing flower, snapped your camera at it and looked at the final image only to be disappointed?  I know I have!  Why didn't my camera's version of this blossom or bud translate into the magazine worthy image I had envisioned when I clicked the shutter?   If you've ever been in this spot too, here are some tips you might enjoy playing with on your next garden gazing adventure.


TIP 1.  PERSPECTIVE: change your point of view from looking down (that's the common way to view a flower!) to looking up or straight on at it instead!  AND if you are using an SLR camera, try setting your camera aperture as open as possible (the smaller the number the wider the aperture).  This creates nice background blur (bokeh).  REMEMBER: Get down low for this majestic shot.


TIP 2. PROXIMITY: You can use a macro lens if you have an SLR but if that's a bit of an expensive plunge to take right now keep in mind that most compact cameras have a macro function (see owners manual) that allows for your lens to be just a few centimeters away from your subject and still focus properly.  Perfect for flower photography!  REMEMBER: get as tight as you can get - fill your viewfinder with an up close and personal peek at your flower.


TIP 3.  BACKLIGHT: place the sun behind the petals.  The petals become translucent.  This adds drama!  REMEMBER: Sandwich the petals of your flower between you and the sun for this glowing shot!

EXAMPLES:  See if you can guess which technique(s) I was using in each of these five shots.  In my next blog post I'll share the answers.

All my best, Cate.

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DISCOVERING YOUR REMARKABLE WORLD

THE SWEET LIFE

{look closely & you can see bits of pollen still clinging to the fruit - macro photography is fabulous fun}

"Seeing, in the finest and broadest sense, means using your senses, your intellect, and your emotions.  It means encountering your subject matter with your whole being.  It means looking beyond the labels of things and discovering the remarkable world around you."

-Freeman Patterson

POWERS OF OBSERVATION

BLACKBERRIES

{two different treatments of the same photo}

"When you begin viewing the world through a camera lens, your senses sharpen as your mind and eyes are forced to focus on people and things never before noticed or thought about.  I discovered that even if I didn't always take a picture, the simple act of carrying a camera and searching for something to photograph greatly sharpened my powers of observation and allowed me to experience much more of life."

-Kent Reno

YES, I SEE YOU

BLACKBERRY

"I never look for a photograph.

The photograph finds me and says: I'm here!

And I say: Yes I see you.  I hear you."

-Ruth Bernhard