From Bud to Flower

Flower Stages

Learn. Imagine. CREATE.

When I took these pictures from my neighbor’s garden, I did not realize then that I had taken 3 pictures of flowers at different stages of blooming — all on the same plant!

But why leave it to chance? Your creative assignment is to go out and record a series of photographs in your garden, whether using still photography as I did above or timelapse photography (arm yourself with patience!), to tell a simple story. It can be all captured in one day or you can follow one plant as it matures from bud to full grown flower over a series of days.

It’s not often that you can capture the one masterpiece from your garden to grace your living room wall, but a series of photographs is always a popular alternative.

Tips:

• Find a spot that is protected from wind. If necessary, construct a wind barrier using some well-placed boxes (but don’t block the light).
• Use a tripod (don’t forget to turn off image stabilization).
• Use the lowest ISO.
• Set your camera on Aperture-Priority mode and select the largest aperture. This gives you the shallowest depth of field to throw the background out of focus and isolate your subject.
• Focus on the stamen or center or whatever you know your eyes will be drawn to in the photograph — and that part needs to be in sharpest focus.
• If you can, avoid the harsh noonday light. Afternoon light is most flattering.
• Use the highest resolution your camera allows so you can crop creatively and blow it up, if required.
• Use a remote (wired or wireless) shutter release, if available. Or, simply use the self-timer to avoid camera shake.
• Don’t shoo off any insects. They add interest to the picture.
• Use Tele macro instead of wide-angle macro to prevent your shadow falling on the flower. This also allows more light to reach the flower.

A tilting display screen is a tremendous advantage and convenience here, allowing you to shoot low-to-the-ground without craning your neck or getting into arkward body contortions.

Happy Shooting!