Flower Power

True or False: When the weather predicts that it is going to be a sunny day, this is the perfect time to take photos.  Answer: False.

Bright and sunny days are perfect for swimming or picnics, but they are not suitable to take picture outdoors.  Overcast days are the best days for taking photos.  However, what is the flowers are at their best during these days?  Not to worry, there are ways to capture great images even during the hottest of days.

Here are tips that photographers should learn so take great picture in sunny situations.  There are also some equipment like household items that you could use and add to your bag of tricks.  Whether you use a point-and-shoot or a camera with a large format, these tips will surely give you great quality of images.

It is true that a beautiful and sunny day does not automatically makes great images.  This is considered as one of the greatest misconceptions that most photographers have when it comes to taking pictures.

Flowers is one of the most fascinating creations of Nature.  Their shapes, colors, and even their smell has amazed us for a long time. Flowers are definitely the most exciting and easy to experiment with when it come to photography.  Not only because of its color and form, there is a variety of texture, geometry, fragrances and hues within its characteristic.  Seasonal variation adds it to be more eye catching.

The most eye catching element of flowers is their vibrant colors.  Capturing the colors accurately is indeed challenging.  It is best to capture the image during overcast or natural daylight to show the natural and original color of the subject.  It is best to avoid using too much variation of colors in one photograph for it may disturb the balance of colors.  It may also be difficult to bring out light colors.

An organized frame with the right focus is the formula to attain desired images with flowers. Experimenting with lengths of shots is vital while taking a photo.  You can stand above your subject , get your equipment at the same level with the flower or  be underneath your subject to capture its exotic beauty.

Timing is also important.  The best solution to extreme exposure is simply to avoid the midday sun.  Try to take your picture early in the morning during sunrise when the breezes is just about to start up and when there is still dew on the leaves.  For warmer, pleasing light, wait until it is sunset.

Be patient enough to wait for a foggy or an overcast day.  The most ideal light for flower photography is the diffused light of an overcast day or a hazy light.  Overcast days are the best for portraits.  We have all experienced nose shadows seen across eyes and cheeks disappear in shadows.  If it is cloudy, try to set up your photo and be patient to wait for the cloud to pass through the sun.  Do make sure that you will adjust your exposure to enable the drop to compensate in light intensity.

What if the clouds did not roll in? All you have to do is to take charge and be resourceful, you can make you own overcast day.  This is important when you are shooting closeups of flowers.  You can try to make you own “box”  lighting conditions by trying to block the sunlight using a diffusing material.  To make a diffuser, try using a hanger and pull the bottom until it forms into a square.  Stretch a white shopping bag over the square.  Tie the handles around the hook making it secure.

One way to really capture great flower photos is to take them when they are back lit,  it is when the sun is facing you and shining through the subject.

The last point is very vital.  Photography is not worth doing if you are not enjoying.  You should have fun and experiment with it.

Hawaiian flower Art