With spring on the way, there’s nothing more important for me than actually capturing it all in photos. Not only for the pure enjoyment of looking back on it all, but also for practical reasons. How vexing is it when in August, you wish to plant a shrub in a bare spot, but can’t recall exactly where the spring bulbs all were? You gotta document these things.
I’ve discovered a number of wonderful articles and resources online for taking great garden photos, from choosing a good camera, to learning to use it and capturing that perfect shot.
I’ll start with choosing a good pocket camera. Turner Photographics has a very helpful article that shares all the features in a digital camera and what they all do and mean. Since my camera is a bit on the large side and I’m always considering a smaller one to take on the go, this simple rundown of what to look for in a pocket camera was great.
In another article, Mark Turner also shares how to use some of these settings, and his advice on which settings are most effective in which circumstances.
Next, David Perry is one of my favorite garden bloggers, not only because his photography is so stellar, but because his writing is such a perfect blend of funny, thoughtful, insightful and sweet. I loved this poem about loss and letting go, and this post about men and their flowers.
He recently spoke at the Seattle Flower and Garden Show about garden photography, and he was kind enough to share his handouts from that lecture with all of us. He has tips for making the most of your camera and using all the settings, as well as compositional tips for getting the shot you want. Go, read.
Lastly, Studio G has an ongoing series about garden photography from Stacy Bass. Stacy shares how to compose, focus, and capture the best images possible from your garden. The articles have gorgeous photos that illustrate the concepts she teaches perfectly.
Just out of curiosity, what are you all shooting your garden photos with? Is it a simple point and shoot, or a more advanced camera? Do you understand the settings or just click and hope? Let me know in the comments below. (I have a fancypants canon borrowed from a family member, which I use via the click and hope method!)
7 responses to “Monday Miscellany: Garden Photography Edition”
Standard digi cam for me! It does the job though 🙂 often the floral displays etc speak for themselves. Will take a look through your recommended reads, thanks for sharing.
I’ve read lately that setting up the shot is the most important part of photography. Until this week, my strategy was to take as many photos as I could and just choose the best. Now I’m taking time to compose just what I want to see from the gardens.
I have a point-and-shoot that I bought six years ago. It works fine for wide shots, provided that I do a little photo editing afterward. However, it’s absolutely hopeless for close-ups, so one of these days I’m going to get around to buying something better.
Gayle, when you do, get a tripod as well. I got mine for $30 on Amazon. All the photog buffs are saying that it helps you slow down and compose good shots, and helps reduce hand-shake blur.
Genevieve, I just replaced my Canon Elph from 2002, and I loved that camera. Believe it or not, the photos were awesome. I now have a very upgraded version, the Canon S95, about $399 and designed to take pics in low light. I do need a tripod, and a week to read the owner’s manual, but since I’m simple and it’s complicated, it will take practice and time to get the best results.
Tom, I have been eyeing those Canon Elphs for some time. Even the older ones ARE good cameras. I’m excited for you that you have such a fancy new one. I love your photos over at Tall Clover Farm!
I’m going to steal your line, “I’m simple and it’s complicated.” That perfectly describes so much of life!
I have an old HP point and shoot that needs to be replaced. My micros are often out of focus. Thanks for the link on looking at buying cameras.