I love a beautiful flower, however, most times I don’t intentionally venture out specifically to do flower photography. The only time was when I was Chasing Arrowleaves in the Okanagan. Recently I was inspired to do some intentional flower photography and in todays Create with Me I bring you along with me in my adventure of creating soft, dreamy, calming flower photos!
Lens for Flower Photography
Many photographers use macro lenses for flower photography, however, I do not have a macro lens so I use what I have. Today I focused on using the M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 PRO. I did bring along the M.Zuiko 40-150mm just in case I wanted to experiment with it.
For the most part I used the 12-40mm at its full focal length (40mm).
Next time I will try experimenting with the 40-150mm!
Experimenting with Effects
I saw in a video a nature photographer use a plastic bag and plastic wrap to create different effects in the photo. So I thought I would give that a try! I added the additional item of parchment paper.
Out of the three that I tried my favourite was the plastic wrap or the plastic bag. The plastic wrap gives it a very subtle effect to the photo, but if you want something a little more opaque but not too harsh then the plastic bag is a good choice.
Parchment paper
Plastic bag
Plastic wrap
Here are some more photos using the plastic wrap to create the effect:
Creating Soft, Dreamy, Calming Flower Photos
My aim was to create soft, dreamy, calming flower photos. To do that I focused on:
Singling out specific flowers
Shooting at F2.8 to create that bokeh
When able, shooting through other flowers
Focusing on either the pedal closest or the center of the flower
Listening to Music
Majority of the time I don’t listen to music when I’m doing nature photography. If I am photographing birds I want to hear the sound of the birds! However, I read an article in Photo News that discussed meditation for better photography. Loosely translated for me it gave to the idea that what you are feeling, what your current vibe is transfers to your photo.
Thus, today I thought I would try listening to some relaxing music while I was out. At first I kept on ear bud off to hear my surroundings but I quickly discovered that by keeping my headphones both on I drowned out the sound of the bees, wasps, grasshoppers that were freaking me out.
The music did help calm myself, focus on the flower, focus on the photo.
My Fear of Bugs
I have a fear of bugs. I didn’t even think about bugs when I thought of doing some intentional flower photography. However, within minutes of being at the park photographing the flowers I realized I was in trouble. Every flower arrangement had bees, spiders, beetles around them.
Thus, doing intentional, specific flower photography stretched me outside my comfort zone.
I hope you found this episode inspiring to do some flower photography and experiment!
Happy Photographing!
Beautifully Wander | Robynne Ikesaka