Flower photography is not a widely followed genre, but it is something many photographers grow to appreciate. While it may seem like floral photography is all about point and shoot, it is quite a different process. You need to think about the bloom, the frame, the colors, and how it may all come together. If you are someone interested in the delicate side of nature, here are a few tips that can help you achieve the best. Here’s a look.
50mm Can Do the Trick
A 50mm lens is a great idea for flower photography. A lens with a bright aperture of f2.8 can provide bokeh and close-focusing abilities. The trick, however, is to go close enough but also get everything sharp. While some say you must rely on macro lenses, you can avoid them and go for longer focal lengths.
The Background
One of the most common mistakes in flower photography is the background. A messy background distracts the viewer from the main subject. Instead, you should move around and look for a cleaner backdrop. Maybe you can lower your camera to your ankles or change the direction you are facing. Keep your lens parallel to the flower, which can maximise the in-focus area and give you a shallow depth of field.
Color or Black and White
Both are excellent options, depending on what you want. Most people state that you must shoot in color if you are shooting flowers. You can tweak the image in Lightroom by lifting hues with subtle edits. But at the same time, you can make then back and white if the colors clash too much. Bright flowers can work really well in monochrome, while highlighting shape and texture.
Seeing the Light Differently
Lighting is quite important in this case. You can shoot during the golden hour, use black lighting, or use a flash to make things stand out. Depending on what your vision is, you can play around and be creative. Some can even use gels on the flash, to make the things different. Either way, keep practising.
Shoot-Throughs
This is the best way to achieve layers and depth in your image. Flower photography does not mean just a single image; you can use a foreground and a background to achieve a dramatic effect. Depth and softness can help your image be different. In the image above, the white dots are due to the dew, and that adds to the charm of the image. The shine makes the image balanced.
Emotions
Last but not least is the emotional depth of the images. Colors and flowers can capture your emotional state. A dropping petal showcases being sad, while a red rose can talk about love. A close-up of the textures of the petals can also highlight something. Either way, your emotions can be channeled into great images.
These are some tips, and they are a great starting point for flower photography. Keep practising and you will certainly find yourself excelling in ways you can’t even imagine.
