Flowers have always been a favorite subject for photographers. It’s probably because with flowers, you can get a variety of photos from the same subject simply by shooting from different angles and zoom settings. Do you want to try flower photography? The most important things to keep in mind are lighting and background.
Less Light: Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for flower photography. These hours offer soft and filtered light for your photos, enhancing the detail and color of the petals, and that’s where the beauty of the shot is derived. The best time of day is often just after dawn when it’s calm because a breeze can move the flower and cause a blurred result. Also, look for opportunities to have your subject backlit by the rising sun — it adds a new perspective to your photo and highlights the veins in petals and leaves.
More Light: If your only opportunity to take photos of flowers is in the middle of the day, choose an overcast time. Clouds soften the light and help you avoid strong shadows across your subject. Strong, direct sunlight does not mix well with the delicate structure of the subtle hues of a flower’s petals. Using a polarizing filter can also reduce the harshness of light in the middle of the day.
Background: Choose a shallow depth of field to reduce background clutter and draw attention to the flower. This is achieved by opening the lens to a wide aperture. Moving around to change the angle of the shot can dramatically change the background. And having the background far from the flower generates even more blurriness behind your subject.
With flower photography, it’s essential to be a minimalist. You don’t need fancy equipment, but you must be able to see the beauty in simplicity. Photography is an enjoyable hobby, and when you focus (literally) on colorful and pretty subjects, it will lift your spirits and all who see your photos.
