articles/Profiles/fromportraitstogardens-page2
by Michael Turner Published 01/01/2014
Modify the light
Natural light sometimes needs a helping hand. Personally I've never been a fan of using electronic flash for outdoor portraits and the same goes for photographs of flowers. My preference is for using reflectors, diffusers and gobos to enhance the existing natural light.
A small reflector can be really useful for bouncing daylight back into the underneath of a drooping flower head. Translucent material can also be used to shield the sun so as to soften the light falling on your subject.
Plan your shoot
The enemy of the flower photographer is the wind. Delicate stems will move in the slightest breeze so get up early - you'll often find the calmest conditions before the sun rises. The light is also beautiful at this time of day. Some flowers only open in warm sunshine later in the day so it really pays to get to know your subject. The key here is planning and preparation - exactly the same as for a lifestyle portrait shoot.
There are 24 days to get ready for The Society of Photographers Convention and Trade Show at The Novotel London West, Hammersmith ...
which starts on Wednesday 15th January 2025