Tips and advice on photographing flowers


	Tips for Photographing Flowers

	These are not intended as 'hard-and-fast' rules but as tips, advice and perhaps a few things you might like to try.

	1. Don't feel you cannot take a decent macro picture without a specialised macro lens. Prime lenses can produce perfectly acceptable results, as can the typical 18-55 and 55-200mm zoom lenses. If you want to avoid the expense of a dedictaed macro lens, try macro lens attachments / filters. These are single lens devices which screw onto the front of an existing lens and come in a range of magnifications (x2, x4, x10 etc) and sizes to fit most lenses.

	2. Keep the background simple and un-cluttered. A busy background will serve only to distract the viewer and draw their attention away from the subject.



	3. Bright, sunny days are best avoided as these conditions will burn out the highlights of an image and also produce harsh shadows. The best weather is bright yet overcast as this will diffuse the light and soften any shadows.

	4. Use a shallow depth of field to emphasize just one part of the flower. This will serve to draw the viewer's eye into the image.


	5. Be a little abstract. Don't always try to get the entire flower in the viewfinder, zoom in! You'll be amazed at the depth of structure many flowers have.



	6. Join your local RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) garden. Where better to find perfect specimens. You'll also find that in most cases a year's membership there will allow you access to many other places free of charge.

	7. Experiment, be different. Like this image of a 'weed' in a derrelict garden (not mine I hasten to add).


	8. Don't be affraid to call upon a neighbour if you see 'something special' growing in their garden. They'll be only too pleased to tell you all about it.

	9. Get a relationship (professional of course!) with your local florist who could call you if they get something 'special' in. many florists will order in specific flowers if you know what you want.

	10. Always take a tripod with you. Remember, the best weather for macro flower photography is bright yet overcast. The longer exposures and the tendency for flowers to move in the slightest breeze (just as you are about to take the picture) makes a tripod essential.

	11. Finally, on the sensitive subject of wind! If photographing in the wild or in your own garden small wooden sticks can be very helpful. These are usually green, about 14 inches long and can be bought from almost any DIY / Garden centre. Be careful when placing them and never use them in a public / show garden.