IM Publishing presents
Fine Art Nature Photography

  Recipe for Better Flower Images  

Flowers are a delight to see, touch, and smell. Often referred to as “eye candy,” soft, serene, pure in form, from tiny to huge, and with a rainbow of colors, they speak to us in various ways. They can be seen on hillsides, in the meadows, along the roads, in our gardens, in our lawns, and in our homes as plants and bouquets. However, flowers can be tough subjects to photograph.  • Their beauty is often difficult to reproduce photographically.  • They move erratically in the slightest breeze.  • They are small but very detailed.  • They are often set against distracting backgrounds. Lighting and composition can be a challenge.  • Flowers are also irresistible. Follow the recipe to overcome these challenges. Practice - Practice - Practice then modify the recipe to suit your needs. ARTISTRY IN BLOOM RECIPE There are three main ingredients for making successful flower/wildflower images. They are: Subject     Lighting     Composition SUBJECT: Select a flower subject that appeals to you. It could be the color, size or shape or just a special flower that you found or grown from seed. Your flower could be part of the landscape, a flower garden, a group of flowers in your garden, a bouquet or a single flower or part of one. Ask yourself why am I making this image. LIGHTING: Photography is writing with light. Light is the most important ingredient that will determine “what you saw is what you took”! The direction, quality and quality of light are important considerations. Early morning or late afternoon is best. Better yet is overcast days or a sky with passing clouds. Light is always changing, wait for the best light for better images. COMPOSITION: Composition is the selection and arrangement of subject within the picture area. It is the bringing together the elements of design: line, shape, texture, color and space. It is an editing process deciding what to leave in and what to leave out. Either arranging the subjects in a certain position or the photographer choosing a certain camera position or camera lens. HELPFUL HINTS! Start by reviewing your camera manual. Add a large dose of patience. Prepare your vision to see like a camera. Make you image, not just take it. Cut your subject in individual parts. Place your subject into a grid format, rule–of–thirds. Walk around your subject; look at, over and under. Combine your favorite perspective. Dissolve into a rabbit posture: get a worms view. Measure your position and set up your tripod. Select your focus and depth of field. Soften the light. Remove surrounding clutter. Select different camera angles to fill viewfinder. Cover subject on bright and sunny days. Drain the wind. Spray your subject with air, if necessary. Garnish with mist or a bug. Place a polarizer filter on your lens.

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