Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA
Buy a digital camera that is 6 megapixels or greater, and has a macro mode setting. The greater the number of megapixels your camera takes, the more clarity of detail you have and keep, even when photos are cropped and enlarged. A macro mode setting is special for taking detailed nature shots of small objects, like...flowers!
CAMERA ACCESSORIES
It is very important to have a couple of large capacity camera memory cards that are empty, ready for your flower photos. So that your camera is protected, you will need a camera case with a strap for easy carrying so you feel free to climb over fences, get on your belly, etc. Although I might think of it as an impediment to my movement, some may want to invest in a lightweight camera tripod to carry, to hold your camera still.
FIND FLOWERS
You need lots of subject matter, so go to where the flowers are. Try your local botanical gardens, nearby meadows, neighborhood gardens, nurseries, or greenhouses. Make sure to ask the necessary permission, or even to pay admission, which is well worth it. (My photos are from Longwood Gardens, near Philadelphia, PA)
Go during various seasons, and at various times of day for different light. Take photos in pale and delicate morning light, strong afternoon light, and the golden glow of sunset.
TAKE TONS
The best rule of thumb is to take lots and lots and lots of photos. Thanks to the memory cards you have with you, you can do that! The more you take, the better the chances are that you will have a few real stand out shots that are absolutely brilliant.
Do not delete any photographs from your digital camera while you are on site. When you see the photos on your computer monitor, you will likely be amazed at what you did not see when looking on that little digital camera screen.
TECHNIQUES
One of the nice things about flowers is they are very cooperative models. They usually don't move, unless it's a windy day. Just use your camera's regular auto focus mode, but give it a few seconds to focus before snapping the shot.
EDIT IMAGES
Don't ever delete what you've taken. Always keep all of the originals on a disk and edit a copy.
Try cropping in various ways. The greater the number of pixels your digital camera has, the more you can maintain detail when you crop and expand a detail of your photo.
Start a new folder in your computer and title it something like 'Best Flowers- Botanical Garden'. Make different folders for each new day of shooting flower photographs.
Take pictures with the macro mode feature turned on. It usually shows up as a little icon that looks like a flower. Do not use the flash. Definitely read your particular camera's manual about taking close-ups and nature shots.
Try various angles. Move your body. Take photos from below, above, and from various sides of flowers and plants. Take photos of single flowers as well as clumps of them.
Don't neglect the greenery. There is unexpected color and texture in leaves.
Do not look for perfection. There is beauty in bugs, torn petals, slight droopiness, etc. Appreciate all stages of a plant's life.