How to Photograph Plants
It would seem that moving targets such as pets and kids would be more difficult to photograph than plants, and they generally are, but getting the right shot of your prized dahlia might be tougher than you think. The trick is to take the shot from a different angle or focus on an entirely surprising area of the dahlia. Instead of taking a straight shot of the flower head, maybe take a shot from the side or just focus on the pistil, the center of the flower. Seed pods, bark and leaves are also areas to focus on. Close up shots often show an entirely different visage, sometimes unrecognizable. Professional plant photographers often shoot a subject from a low depth field which transforms said subject into the realm of the abstract. Low depth of field is the art of photographing lines and shapes rather than the literal object. Experiment and take plant pictures at different times of the day. The crack of dawn not only lends different lighting, but overnight dew can make photos of plants something magical.
Get Creative
Plant photography is anything but boring. There are a myriad of different colors and textures to focus on, and unique combinations make for better plant pictures. Incorporate other items from nature into photos of plants — for instance the roughness of bark mulch or softness of moss. When taking photos of plants, get down and dirty. Don’t be afraid to crawl around on your belly to get the perfect shot. Nature in all its perfect imperfection isn’t always conveniently situated, but it is in the right spot at the right time. And that time is now, so go get that shot, even if you have to become a contortionist to do so!
