Saturday, January 23, 2010

"Learning"
Photographing Flowers

Dear Friends,
..
Nature is full of charming creations. Shooting them is the desire of every photographer. Flowers are among the most attractive creations of the nature. Beautiful flowers of different colours and shapes attract us intensely and if we are with camera, we tend to shoot them spontaneously. Shooting flowers in perfect manner needs proper attention and some points to be kept in mind.

1. Proper lighting plays a vital role in photographing flowers. As the flowers are tender by nature, the light should also be soft while shooting them. Soft light brings out the details of a flower. Moreover, this light adds an affectionate feel in the picture. Sunlight of early morning and late evening is ideal for our purpose. Flowers can be photographed well in ‘one-sided light’ as well as in ‘against light’. Both types of light have their own quality. One-sided light adds depth in the subject whereas light against the camera brings out the details of petals beautifully. While shooting in one-sided light, if one side of flower remains shady, it can be highlighted with a reflector.

Light coming in a room through a door/window is very useful for shooting flowers due to its gentle nature. Door/window-light helps in highlighting the details of a flower. On the other hand this light gives a moody picture.

2. Selection of subject (Flower) is an important aspect. We should choose fresh flowers. Flowers with damaged/cut/dry petals should be avoided. A flower with a few leaves and one or two buds is best.

3. Role of background plays a vital role while photographing flowers. A soothing background gives meaning to the picture. Background can be of two types, the natural or the artificial. When we are shooting outdoor, greenery around us provides an ideal background. A blurred green background is best. Blurred background can be obtained well by using a macro or telephoto lens. An artificial background (Such as black cloth or paper) can also help us. But while doing so we should always give exposures according to our subject. Overall evaluation of the exposure will misguide us and the result will not be satisfactory.

4. Composition is an important aspect. A simple and balanced composition is always preferable. We have to compose the picture in such a way that may appeal at first sight.

5. Few helpful tips in flower-photography:

(a) Use of a small aperture helps in boosting depth and sharpness in our picture. With the help of a small aperture all the parts of a flower can be seen well focused and sharp.

(b) In low/soft light condition the use of a small aperture is difficult, as it will create the need of very low shutter speed. This problem can be overcome by using a tripod.

(c) The background (artificial or natural) should not be very close to the flower. We should always maintain proper distance between the flower and the background.

(d) Spraying of water on flower with the help of a spray gun tends the flower look fresh.

(e) While shooting outdoor, fast wind can intervene in focusing the flowers. This difficulty can be solved by preventing the wind in a particular area (near the flower) with the help of a wooden board.


---Dr. Pankaj Sharma
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15 comments:

  1. Thanks from bottom of my heart for such a wonderful tutorial on 'flower photography' with splendid image...
    Awesome work Dear Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Thanks for sharing.
    Flowers offer much potential for photography.
    Regards,
    Subhash Sapru

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dear Sir

    I have gained so much from your article. I appreciate your efforts in the field of art.
    ------------------------
    ABHIMANYU RATHORE, DELHI
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  4. Really got enlightened with a good stock of valuable informations which had rekindled my mind to venture practically into this beautiful subject of photography. Obviously photographs excellent.

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  5. Dear Doctor:
    The illustrated article is an example of simple and practical writing covering all the points.
    Even advanced photographer can refresh his experience.
    Regards,
    KgM.(K.G.Maheshwari)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely!
    Rakhi Sinha
    (Through Facebook)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Respected sir
    well explained article and example through picture shows ur outstandig efforts .thanx and regard for shareing ur precious views and research experience in flower photography
    Regards
    ANUJ SHARMA (BAREILLY)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dear Dr. Sharma,
    A really interesting article with appropriate images. The photographs are so good in quality to inspire any photographer to take up flower photography.
    Keep up the good work.

    K. B. Jothady APSI

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  9. Dear Friends,
    I extend my sincere thanks for your valuable comments and for being in touch. Your comments motivate me to go forward.
    ---Pankaj Sharma

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  10. hi,
    enjoyed your work. i will share with all of us at piramal gallery.ncpa.
    good luck and regards,
    mukesh parpiani.

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  11. Very informative write up Sir. Please keep doing such precious work.
    NAVNEET (Reader of Better Photography)

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  12. "Just Unique"
    S. Sundaram

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  13. Dear Mr Pankaj,
    Recently I came across your blog and I was very impressed with your photographs, specially of the flowers.

    Regards,
    amar jha

    ReplyDelete
  14. HI DR.PANKAJ-JI

    THANK U VERY MUCH FOR YOUR MAIL.
    I LIKED ALL THE IMAGES.
    PLEASE ALWAYS KEEP IN TOUCH.

    Nagesh Sakpal

    ReplyDelete