5 Ways to Photograph Spring Flowers

“April is the cruelest month, breeding lilacs out of the dead land.” (T.S. Eliot). It is also one of the most colourful months, filled with great opportunities for the photographer.

Spring is a time of tree blossom and bulbs. There’s always plenty of colour around. So why not try some of these tips to help brighten up your flower photography.

1. Blue Skies

(Image: Tanakawho)

A blue sky in the background will help to enhance the colour of the flower. Use the long end of your zoom lens to fill the frame with the flower. Rather than just pointing your camera at the flower try plucking one and holding it up against a blue sky to get the best of the spring colours.

2. Get Down Low

(Image: madjbug&Astrid)

For some really stunning shots try getting down low for an ‘ant’s eye view’ of the flowers. You might benefit from using the macro setting on your camera if it has one. Try getting a blue sky behind the flowers.

3. Zoom In

(Image: Jenny Downing)

Use the telephoto end of your lens and a wide aperture, and zoom in on one flower. Fill the frame with colour. Letting the flowers behind go out of focus will give you a nicely softened background.

4. Fill the Frame

(Image: Jenny Downing)

Go in close to the flower. Filling the frame is a sure way of creating an image with impact. This tends to work best against a neutral bcakground. Be sure to focus carefully on the centre of the flower.

5. Still Life

(Image: Zevotron)

Pick up some flowers from the store and put them in a vase. Bringing flowers indoors gives you more control over the light. Place them on a table in front of a large window. For best results, wait for a bright overcast day. The diffused light will produce a very satisfying result. Try putting the vase of flowers in front of a neutral background for a simple, but effective still life. You could also try shooting them as part of a scene and show them in context.

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