FLOWERS AND PLANTS

PHOTOGRAPHING FLOWERS AND PLANTS

Landscapes, animals and flowers end up on the walls of most people's homes, why not yours. (see PowerPoint below for more details)

Georgia O’Keeffe focused on flowers so much, they became abstract.

Several ways to make your flowers or plants more interesting

• LIGHTING: The best time to capture images is during the first and last hours of sunlight during the day. The light is softer during that time. Midday sun can be very harsh so diffusers may be necessary. Cardboard or an umbrella helps block harsh sunlight. This is a good tip for portrait photography as well.
• EXPERIMENT WITH THE FLASH: The light from the flash is very much like the light from the direct noonday sun: harsh and white; it casts sharp shadows and has the tendency to flatten everything in the picture.
• BACKLIGHT: Try taking photos with the sun behind the subject. It's not traditionally done, but it’s totally different with plants and flowers. Silhouettes of plants can be beautiful.
• RULE OF THIRDS (applies to all photography) There is a general rule in photography that items placed at the thirds of the photo frame (1/3 and 2/3, or .33 and .66) will give a more interesting photo than a subject placed dead center. The rule of thirds is actually derived from the “golden ratio” and is a pleasing proportion to the eye. The eye will naturally be attracted to items located along those lines and especially at the intersections of two lines.
• LOOK FOR DIFFERENT ANGLES (applies to all photography) Everyone looks at flowers from a height of roughly 5 to 6 feet. Take the time to truly take a look at them from a different angle
• FILL THE FRAME: Watch for distractions and use your zoom
• CAPTURE LIFE: Bugs, bees and butterflys
• LOOK FOR DETAIL
• SHOOT A LOT