How to take pictures of Flowers
Flowers have so far been the most fascinating creations of Mother Nature. The variety of their shapes, colors, and even smells has enchanted us for centuries now! Says the most famous writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson: Earth laughs in flowers! Thus flowers are definitely the most exciting and experimental subjects while photography. Not only are we attracted by its form and colors, there is whole lot of innovation of geometry, textures, hues and fragrances within its elements. Further more going into details, its seasonal variations too are eye catching.
The vibrant colors to the stubborn thorns to the delicate petals or even the bulbous buds, one can focus on almost anything! Although there is lot of scope for experimentation, but spontaneous liking gives the best hint as to what should be selected as the subject while photographing.
One may definitely need to give due importance to following features:
Color
The most eye catching feature of flowers is their vibrant variety of colors. It can be challenging to capture the colors accurately. It is best to capture the photos in natural daylight to render the natural and original colors of the flowers. It is better to avoid too many colors in a single photograph that may disturb the balance of colors. Also it may be difficult to bring out certain colors like, for example if the flower is white in color, it is suggested that one may use underexposure to bring out the flower. Or else one may take very low vantage point and try to capture it against the backdrop of the sky, as shown in Image.1.
It is also beneficial if one considers following best times with respect to different colors to get the best results:
- Reds are best brought out in photographs in late afternoon light conditions.
- Yellows and bright oranges become too jarring at times and thus should be clicked with some amount of green to balance the picture. This is demonstrated through Image 2
- Dull colors can be taken in vibrant green backgrounds.
- Sepia tone can be used to highlight the form details than colors.
Composition
An organized frame with defined focus usually is the formula to achieve desired results with flowers. Experimenting with focal lengths of shots is crucial while experimenting try to use tips of macro photography. You can either stand above it or get your camera at the level of the flower or just get underneath it to capture its unique beauty. This decision can be taken as per the flower and its characteristic features. Get down to close-ups if you wish to capture a particular pattern as in Image 3.
Usually not just the flower but the entire plant and its structure may also be of importance. Thus get the focus right as shown in Image 4
Thus, you need not be a professional photographer to capture amazing flower pictures, whether you want to exhibit the magnificence of a rose in your garden or click pictures of flowers during your tours.
