Grass Photography Ideas

Sunlight

• Proper use of the sun's natural light can mean the difference between a grass photo that is warm and cheerful, or one that is dark and ominous. Early in the morning is a great time to take photos as there are long shadows and sharp contrast between light and dark. An hour before sunset is also a prime time. Professional photographers call this period the "Golden Hour" because of the warm, fiery reds and oranges of the setting sun.

Types of Grass

• Grass photography is not limited to just lawns. Fields of long unkempt strands, thick tangled bunches or sparse isolated patches of grass can all give their photographs very different moods. Even a few blades shyly poking out of a sidewalk crack can inspire a one-of-a-kind photo. Getting off the beaten path and searching for grass in unusual places is sometimes a great way to find grass that's just begging to be photographed.

Color and Contrast

• Grass comes in a wide spectrum of colors, from rich greens to bright yellows and deep reds. A photo may use a collection of the same color in different shades to create depth and texture, or it may use contrasting colors to create a focal point in the photo. Bright, sunny days tend to augment colors and sharpen a photo's contrast. Overcast days create a softer light and give the grass a colder feel.

Texture

• Lighting grass from the front or side brings out specific detail and texture in the blades. Back lighting, on the other hand, reduces textures and allows the photo to emphasize the grass' shape. Texture can also be highlighted through close-ups with patches or even individual blades of grass. This is popular right after the morning dew when the grass is coated in water droplets. Moving around the area to try different angles can help create the desired feel and bring out specific aspects of the grass.