10 Tips for Taking Flower Photographs

I wanted to do some more research into getting the best out of mine an Tone's visit to the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham, tomorrow. So I have been researching the internet and came up the above named webpage. (http://gardenerstips.co.uk/blog/flowers/10-tips-for-taking-flower-photos/).

1 - Shoot from different angles.

As with most photography, it is recommended that you think about taking the images from different angles. Rather than simply taking them looking down on them, perhaps think about getting down and dirty, taking them from the same height as they are, or even lower, to gain a better sens of perspective.

Taken from above

Taken from the same level as the flower

2. Shoot with the smallest aperture that you lens will allow.

We know this, but it is useful to have it reaffirmed. This will enable me to focus on the flower itself and to blur out the background as much as possible.

3. Try a Macro Lens for a really close shot

Well as neither of us has a macro lens, that will be a challenge. However, Tony has managed ot get hold of some lens 'magnifiers' which screw onto the end of a58mm lens, that should help and I will be looking to 'borrow' them at some stage.

4. Use a good quality tripod

I have every intention of taking my tripod, which is more than up to the task. Working up close , we need to take every effort to reduce camera shake and this is the first step.

5. Other tips to reduce camera shake

a)  It is recommended that if you cannot get your tripod out then take a mono pod (Tone's got one of those)
b) Use a remote trigger. - sorted!
c) Take multiple shots, as the slightest movement could cause you to be out of focus and the more you take the more chance of getting that perfect image - not sure I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment, but the concept is sound.

6. Canon filter

Well we can only work with what we have, so this may not happen!

7. When to take the best shots

Too much sunlight can blow out the image. You often get better results when the sky is slight overcast as this allows the real colours of the flowers to really come out.

8. The Rain Effect

After it has rained, flowers collect drops of water. This creates an extra romance and beauty to floral photography. However, as it is unlikely to rain tomorrow (it is more likely to snow) we will be taking a water vaporizer to create the same effect.

9. Use backgrounds for Constant Colour

A solid background helps avoid distracting backgrounds. Black often works very well, especially for white, light coloured flowers. We will be more relying on a small aperture as it is unlikely that we will be able to get out bits of card or other to drop behind flower - but it may be worth taking something  - just in case.

10. Wind

Trying to hold stem of flower can work. If you have an SLR set a high shutter speed 1/ 125 will help capture and freeze any blowing wind.
What they are getting at here is that if there is a wind, you need to try to capture the wind effect without blurring the image - we'll see what happens tomorrow then!