One reason is that if you love symmetry and color, you are going to be drawn to flowers no matter what! Nature is filled with beauty all around us, but nothing grabs your eye's attention and holds it quite like the shape and beauty of flowers. We are drawn to them and we find our souls soothed and comforted by their cheerfulness. We are amazed by their symmetrical design and order. Many of us, whether artists or not, just find them fascinating!
So then, if we are going to photograph flowers, how do we do so in a way that is pleasing to the eye of the beholder? One of the most important tips for getting great flower shots is to be thoughtful as you approach your subject. I can't tell you how many flower photos I see every day that reflects that the photographer did little more than just saunter up to the flower, point the camera in its general direction and press the shutter button.
Instead, give the image that you will be creating some thought. Get creative. Walk around and look at the flower from all angles. You will notice that some angles trigger your interest better than others, and if those angles interest you they will most likely interest others as well. By changing the angle of view to one that we do not normally use when we interact with flowers in our daily lives, you automatically bring a measure of freshness to the image you are making.
Here is an example of two shots of the same flower. The first one is made the way that we most often view flowers, straight on and pretty close to a 90 degree angle. It's nice, and there is nothing wrong with that shot. But the second is in my opinion much better. It gets down on the level of the flower itself and views it at a side angle, highlighting the detail and contours of the flower in addition to its color and beauty.
So when you see a beautiful flower and get inspired, don't give in to the urge to rush the shot. Stop and think about your subject and how you can showcase it in a unique and pleasing way. The use of a tripod is a good way to get into the mindset that produces this kind of advance thought because tripods don't move easily or quickly. They require adjustment and deliberation to get things just right. And that is just the kind of pace and effort you need to produce great flower photographs.
See my latest nature and wildlife images at:
www.duanelipham.com
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