Photographing Flowers and Gardens
by Brian Christie
Taking good photographs in a garden should not be difficult. Giving a little thought and care to what you want to achieve can soon improve the content and quality of your photographs.
Usually the subject is static: it does not run away or turn its back to the camera, thereby allowing time to compose a picture that is pleasing.
No special equipment is needed for general photography of gardens and plants. Simple " point and shoot" compact cameras to SLR's (single lens reflex) are all suitable whether based on traditional film or digital technology. However, a little thought and observation about the following points may help to produce better pictures.
Composition
First decide if the subject looks best in a horizontal or vertical format.
If your picture includes the horizon, keep it level, resist placing it halfway up, higher or lower will probably be better.
Try to fill the frame with the subject, exclude unnecessary background.
Try to exclude power lines, telegraph poles, buildings not connected with the picture.
Be aware that people or animals may walk in or out of the picture (especially when photographing gardens).
Lighting
Advice about having the sun over your shoulder will give easily printed pictures but they are likely to look flat and boring. Use whatever space you have to move around the subject observing the effect in the viewfinder before pressing the button.
The time of day can have considerable effect on the picture. Early morning and late afternoon can often result in more pleasing effects than photographs taken at midday when sunlight can cause heavy shadows.
Probably the best light is when the sun is veiled by thin cloud giving a softer defused light. This is ideal when taking pictures of individual flowers or plants.
If your camera has close up facilities you may want to take pictures of individual flowers. In sunlight try using a reflector to bounce light back into shaded areas. A piece of white card or crumpled kitchen foil stretched over a piece of card can make suitable reflectors.
A sheet of tracing paper or greaseproof paper to diffuse direct sunlight will give a softer effect.You may need an extra pair of hands to help you with these accessories.
Focusing
A picture is easily spoiled by being out of focus.
If your camera has manual focusing take a couple of seconds to check that focal distances are correct with the depth of field indicator.
The closer you get to the subject the more critical the focusing ability. Can you use a tripod monopod or other means of restriction? If nothing is available try keeping your elbows close to your sides and hold your breath as you gently press the shutter button.
Always hold your camera with both hands and gently press the button. Stabbing at it will probably make you move the camera slightly, resulting in a spoiled photo.
Have fun with your camera and experiment with it. We look forward to seeing some of your picture in the photography classes at next years summer show.