According to the late Robin Williams, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” And for us photographers the party is out among the blooms. There’s been a lot of rain this year. More than in a long time out here in the Western states and that means there’s a bloomin’ good time for spring bloom photography.
Watch the web
There are lots of places in which to capture the flowers of spring. Arboretums, botanical gardens and probably around your neighborhood as well. But there’s nothing like getting out in the wild and chasing down images in new locations. Not sure where to go? Check out your local websites with the search term “wildflowers near me” or “wildflowers my town.” That will get you on track. Make sure you note the dates of the posting so you have the most current information. Then put your kit together and hit the road.
Ask around
Check with photography friends. Talk to local photo clubs. If you aren’t already, become a member of your local camera club organizations. You’ll find photo buddies with which to shoot. Many local photo organizations bring in speakers to share new techniques and technology. I’ve been a professional photographer for over 25 years and I still learn lots by attending conventions, seminars and photo programs.
My gear
My camera kit consists of Olympus cameras and lenses. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III for the bodies and macro to long zoom for the lenses. Variety is key. I’m fond of the micro 4/3rds system due to the quality and light weight. Here are couple of important add-ons that I find essential for making my work stand out.
Camera supports include either a Fotopro T-Roc MAX or Eagle E-6L. When I want to go very low the Platypod system saves the day. When I work that low to the ground I have a pad for my knees.
A small 20 inch Westcott scrim set softens, blocks or reflects the light. It can also act as a studio backdrop for a super clean isolated look. A great part of this 5-in-1 kit is it folds to an eight inch circle.
A couple Wimberly Plamps act as third and fourth hands to hold scrims in place. They also can gently hold the stem of a bloom with a delicate touch when the wind picks up a bit. Hard to get a good static image of a flower that is blowing in the breeze.
Explore
ICM, AKA intentional camera movement, is something that can give you a different image from the scene in front of your camera. Exploration can push your photography to new levels. Another different look is to capture a series of bracketed focus exposures. You can use Photoshop or a program such as Helicon Focus to blend the images together for deep depth of field.
Be gentle
Please be cautious when working with nature. Flowers are delicate. Don’t walk on blooms and remember the flowers need to go to seed in order that they can propagate again in subsequent years. Be a good steward of our resources that we can all keep enjoying the bounty for years to come.
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
Source link
Leave a Reply