Top 20 Most Photogenic Garden Flowers

Flowers are probably the most photogenic and colourful subjects in the world of horticulture. In this, the second part in my series of posts on the Art of Flower and Garden Photography, I have compiled a list of what I feel are the Top 20 Photogenic Garden Flowers to help you get started in this most satisfying genre of photography.

Where to Begin

A test of a good flower photographer is the ability to capture the subjects in their natural surroundings. There is no substitute for natural light and outdoor locations when photographing flowers. Just as some of the greatest animal photographs are not those taken in zoos or against fake backgrounds, the same is true for flower photography. Photographs of flowers taken in the natural beauty of their outdoor surroundings is by far superior to those posed awkwardly against artificial backgrounds or flooded with artificial lighting.

One of the delights of flower photography is that your subject is easily accessible. From local parks, gardens and arboretums, to garden centres, nurseries and commercial growers, all offer the photogapher a wealth of subjects.

When photographing flowers in public or private gardens, you do need to respect the immense amount of work the gardeners have put into preparing the ground and planting the specimens. Tread carefully (literally), obey any requlations and ask permission where necessary. Do not under any cirumstance pick specimens in the hope of taking them home.

Getting Started:

• Search out perfect specimens in peak condition.
• Find a stimulating setting with the light falling just right.
• Find a background showing off the perfection of the flower.
• Be meticulous in searching through acres of flowers. Seek out the one flower that outshines all the rest.
• Ruthlessly ignore the humdrum and mediocre shots.
• Be prepared to return to the same spot a little earlier the following year to get the perfect shot.

Top 20 List of Photogenic Garden Flowers

Some garden flowers are more photogenic than others. Some are so appealing that the canny photogapher can easily earn a small income by concentrating on plants such as orchids, cacti and roses.

The following list of photogenic flowers is based both on visual appeal and potential demand from picture buyers.

1. Amaryllis
2. Begonias
3. Cactus
4. Chrysanthemums
5. Clematis
6. Daffodils
7. Dahlias
8. Daylilies
9. Hydrangeas
10. Irises
11. Lilies
12. Orchids
13. Peonies
14. Poppies
15. Rhodedendrons
16. Roses
17. Sunflowers
18. Tulips
19. Waterlilies
20. Zannias

Other flowers include bromeliads, camellias, hallebores, fuchsias, gladiolus, hibiscus, primroses and proteas.

The key to successful flower photography is knowing the flowering dates for the most photogenic flowers and knowing where to find them.

Flower photography is a year-round activity. It requires patience and commitment on the part of the photographer.

Top Tips:

• On cloudy days, tulip blooms tend to stay partially closed, giving an urn-shape. In bright light the flowers open out like a waterlily, giving a greater density of colour to an image.
• Fields of mass plantings  make great calendar photographs. This is especially so if there is a barn or old farmhouse in the background. Try using a telephoto lens to help fill the frame with plants.
• Try filling the frame with an avalanche of red poppies cascading down a hill or mountain slope.

If you have any tips on photographic garden flowers, please feel free to add a comment below and share your ideas.

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