A Few Photography Hints to Keep In Mind For The Competitions

Light - for horticultural subjects, hazy sun or bright shade is better than full sun, which washes out the colour. Also early morning or late afternoon are better for the same reasons.

Composition

1. Have a subject (watch distracting back grounds).
2. Tell a story, select point of view carefully.
3. Unity is better than a lot of little pieces.
4. Emphasize your point.

Subject Matter in a horticultural photo does not include shadow of photographer, the assistant's hands, feet, or other common distractions. Try taking several shots of the same flower bed or portrait, at different angles at different times. Some are going to be obviously better than others.

Date Stamp Cameras are no-nos in photo competitions. Turn off the gadget, or if your camera does not offer that option, crop or cut your finished print. It is OK to improve your prints by making a better composition with scissors. Carry a copy of the subjects for competitions in your camera case and surely on vacation. It is hard to enter by going through your piles of pictures looking for something that might apply.

Good luck and keep entering.

Please contact the OHS or the author if you wish to republish these articles. © Ottawa Horticultural Society

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