How Do I Get The Picture

Do not take pictures at noon - this bleaches the colour. Shoot earlier in the morning, later in the evening, or on overcast days when the light is more even.

Shoot when the wind is not blowing. If possible, use a backdrop of some kind to shelter the plant from the wind - the slightest breeze will make your delicate blooms move.

If you are taking a picture of a garden path, try making the path lead somewhere interesting.

Take distracting elements out of the picture. Try placing your focal plant off centre to add interest.

Use a tripod. This will stabilize your camera when you are shooting at lower shutter speeds. Another method of eliminating "camera shake" is to use a shutter release cord (mainly on manual cameras). If you do not have this option on your camera, use the camera's timer to automatically release the shutter without pressing it.

If your camera allows you to change the shutter speed, shoot at 1/30 second or less, allowing for longer exposures, which enhances colour saturation. If your camera allows you to change the aperture setting, use a larger number, which is actually a smaller aperture or opening of the camera's lens, creating more depth of field (sharpness from the front of the picture to the back).

Also, use a low speed film (100 ASA or less). Your pictures will be sharper, and again; colour saturation is better.

Keep developed mm out of heat and light, and develop it as soon as possible. Undeveloped film should also be protected from heat and light by keeping it in the fridge until ready to use.

When shooting colour print film remember that the lab technicians do not know the colour of your plants and blooms. Include a familiar object in the first frame of a sequence of pictures shot under the same light ... film boxes work well.

If you want to create a mini 'studio' for taking professional-looking pictures of your prize blooms, try the following set-up: Set a card table upside down on another table and throw a sheet over the open legs leaving the back and front sides open. Use spring clips, rubber bands, or string to fasten the sheet to the table legs and tuck excess between the two tables. Clip or tape poster board to the back side of your light tent. Place your flower a foot in front of the poster board. Set camera on tripod, compose, focus, and take the picture.

This set-up must be placed in full sun, and the sheets must be white, for accurate colour reproduction. This also acts as a good windbreak. You could easily adapt this concept for field use by turning just one table on its side and putting the poster board against the underside of the tabletop.

Happy photographing!

Information gathered from:

http://gardenphotos.com/tips/tips.html

http://www.orchidworks.com/ozone/fototips/litetent.htm (Link no longer works.)

http://detnews.com/1997/metlifef9704/16/04160092.htm (Link no longer works.)

Everybody who was inspired by Michael Runtz' talk in January should think about our Photographic Competition. Remember, he said it was easy! And certainly, it's fun.

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

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