"April Showers Bring May Flowers"
Or that is how the saying goes. Here in the Pacific Northwest we had an unusually warm April, so the blossoms started popping out earlier than normal. Previously I didn't like spring because the weather can be so unpredictable, but since I started taking close-up photos of flowers it is now one of my favorite seasons!
Taking flower photos while Camera Walking brings several benefits: they are beautiful and make wonderful images, and it is an excellent way to improve your photography skills. Here are a few tips to consider on your next walk:
Choose your gear: Although you can take good photos with any type of camera, there are some that work better depending upon what you want to achieve. I often use my Canon 6D with either my 24-105mm lens, or a telephoto lens, which helps when I can't get close to the flower. I also use my Canon Powershot G5X with its 24-100mm lens in macro mode, and of course I love using my Lensbaby Velvet 56mm lens to get a more blurred look. If you have several lenses, experiment to see which ones get the images you like best.
Look for color: I am drawn to flowers because they have rich colors. I love the combination of shades and patterns that you can find on so many flowers. Nature has done an excellent job of bringing such beautiful colors together for us to enjoy.
Check the weather: The optimal time to take photos of flowers is when the sky is overcast with its diffuse, soft light. Taking photos of flowers after it has rained can also produce some beautiful images. Don't let the weather keep you from getting out to take images.
Capture the flower's personality: I never thought of flowers having a personality until I met Kathleen Clemons while taking her Creative Live course. I was an audience member, and over a day and a half she shared so many techniques on how to capture beautiful images. One that jumped out at me was looking for the personality of the flower. Does it look like it is dancing, waving in the wind, or being shy. Once I had that in my head, I found many examples along my walk.
Get up close: Taking a photo of an entire garden of flowers can be both beautiful and impactful. All of the colors mixed together can make a spectacular image, however, you can take some amazing photos by getting close to the flower. Pay attention to the background. Do your best to isolate the flower from the rest. Let the flower shine in your photo.
Change your perspective: Just like in any subject you are photographing, it helps to move around the flower and look at its different angles. Shoot from below, up high, from the side, as well as eye level. You can create beautiful images by taking the time to look at the flower from all perspectives.
Think out of the box: Try capturing only part of the flower. By doing so you leave the rest to the imagination of the viewer. I started doing this after seeing other photographer's images that I found to be breathtaking. Play with this idea when you are out on a walk. See what you can create.
Be an artist: When you are back at the computer edit your images to allow the artist in you to emerge. Use post processing software, such as Nik's Color Efex Pro, or Silver Efex Pro for black and white images, to bring out the richness of the flower. I also use Topaz Lab's Impressions and Simplify plugins to create more painterly images. Lately I have been using textures to create interesting backgrounds. Kathleen Clemons has some beautiful textures that are very reasonable. Check them out.
This is a special season to go out Camera Walking. Flowers are blooming and changing daily, so grab your camera and capture beautiful photos of nature's wonderful creations. You will be glad you did!
