Looking for some photographic inspiration? With spring officially here (and coming soon for those of us in the snow belt), it’s time to capture some fresh blossoms.
We’ve seen new flower albums springing up on Webshots featuring everything from California wildflowers to backyard gardens, which happen to be a great place to spend time learning and perfecting your flower-photo techniques.
Luckily, between local parks, malls, community gardens and even your own neighborhood, there’s no shortage of colorful subjects to photograph! Before you set out, check out our list of common problems and solutions associated with photographing flowers.
_________________________________________________________________________
Problem #1: Washed out colors and/or flat contrast
Solution: Don’t photograph flowers in direct sunlight
For best results, don’t photograph flowers in direct sunlight. A cloudy day is the perfect condition for capturing the details. However, if you must photograph on a sunny day, try to photograph in the shade or hold a portable diffusion screen between the sun and flowers. White fabric (like a sheet or T-shirt) will also work well.
To direct more light back on to your flower, just use something reflective, such as a white poster board. You can also try using your fill flash, but reflectors will produce a more natural result.
If you have a D-SLR camera, use a circular polarizer filter. This will vastly improve color saturation and help eliminate reflections.
Problem #2: Blurry petals
Solution: Use a tripod and aperture priority mode
Use a tripod, and control your depth of field by switching to aperture priority mode. Using a smaller aperture setting will bring more of the details into focus. A good place to start would be f/8, then f/11 and then f/16.
However, be mindful of the wind. If you use a smaller aperture, you’ll have to compensate with a longer exposure (which is why a tripod is critical). If a slight breeze is hindering the shot, you can either wait it out, look for options—such as blocking the wind with foam core— or secure the stem gently with a clip.
Remember not to hold your lens too close to the flower unless you’re using the macro function.
Problem #3: No focal point
Solution: Crop out the clutter
Avoid busy backgrounds, and isolate the blossoms with contrasting colors. Use your zoom to fill your frame with foliage. However, allow your camera at least four feet (or more) of room before you zoom.
For super-close views, hold the lens a few inches from the blossom and try out the Macro setting.
If the owners of the flowers don’t mind, spray some mist on the blossoms for a fresh touch.
For an “April Showers” effect, focus on a flower, use a slow exposure and then run the hose and spray water behind the flower. To keep your flower sharp, don’t spray water on it during the exposure or the movement will create a blurry photo.
Problem #4: Odd or unnatural colors
Solution: Adjust the white balance
If you’re not familiar with what white balance is, read this great article by fine art photographer Kier Selinsky. Many digital cameras differ with how to set this function, so please consult your camera’s manual before trying to set your white balance. For those who have point-and-shoot cameras, often times there are controls for setting the appropriate color balance for specific lighting conditions, such as indoor, outdoor or cloudy.
3 Top Photo Tips
1.Don’t be afraid to explore untraditional views and unusual angles!
2. When you’re visiting a garden, keep a journal or photograph the title of the flower so you’ll have a reference when captioning your work.
3. Don’t forget to give your photos the once over after you download them. A simple contrast adjustment or slight saturation increase can make your flowers stand out from the crowd.
Do you have some great flower photos to share with us? Post a link in the comment section, and share a tip on how you captured it!
