Are you a budding photographer, thinking of getting outside and capturing the blossoming flora? Renowned photographer Sue Bishop shares 10 tips for getting the right light in flower photography…
Type of day
Try to take flower photos on bright overcast days to avoid shadows spoiling the image.
Bright sunlight = shadows
In bright sunlight other flowers or blades of grass can cast shadows on your subject.
Photo: Violet Phlox
Beware high contrast
Bright sunlight can lead to high contrast giving dark shadows and bright highlights which can sometime be too much for the camera to record.
Don't rely on front light
Front light - i.e. light coming directly over your shoulder as you take the photo - can give a very flat, unflattering dusty look.
Angle yourself
Following on from the last tip... turn 90 degrees and the same flower is transformed into something three dimensional with petals that seem to glow.
Tired tulips
Another example of front lighting is this shot of tulips. It shows all their blemishes and imperfections and makes them look tired.
Backlit tulips
These same tulips are transformed when I change my position to face the sun and they are now back lit. They glow in the sunlight and look vibrant and refreshed.
Choose simple shapes for backlighting
Back lighting works better with some flowers than others. Flowers with simple shapes and strong colours such as crocuses and tulips can work well.
Avoid sun spots
When using back light be careful to avoid 'flare', ie sun spots reflecting off your lens. Use a lens hood if you have one or a piece of card to shield the lens.
You can still experiment
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