Getting That Perfect Flower Photo
Calling all anthophiles! (Yes, that means flower lovers... who knew?) With something as compelling as a flower, taking a fantastic photo is relatively easy. And with the superb cameras found on just about every phone these days, it’s safe to say you have all the tech you need, right there in your purse or pocket. But whether you’re going for Instagram gold or just enjoying the pleasure of the process...whether you’re shooting the elegant arrangements at your friend’s wedding or trying to capture a field ablaze with color...certain tricks can definitely transform your images from good to downright glorious. To kick off this series, we asked Paris-based photographer Carla Coulson to share some tips. Her photo here (above left) is called “On My Way”; to see more of Carla’s work check out her website and Instagram. And read on for approach to photographing flowers, which she does magnificently...
Carla says: “I’m not an expert in photographing flowers but I am a devoted flower lover so for me it’s pure pleasure! I’ve come to approach photographing flowers in the same way I photograph people. I’ve realised there are many ways you can photograph the same subject so what I do is treat my flowers as though they’re people. I study them, I move them just a couple of millimetres to the left or to the right, I get down low or try to see what they look like from above. I'm always searching to make a beautiful shape or see something in the flower that I haven’t seen before or that isn’t necessarily obvious or the way everyone sees the flower.
“I’ve also learned that you can shoot any subject in any light and it can be interesting and fun. The important thing is that you like the light as it adds a totally different message to your image. In my series “Young Girl in Bloom,” I chose to use an even, soft light (except for one image) to convey a feeling of peace and quiet. Whilst I have been at home during the past couple of months I’ve photographed flowers from the day they arrive fresh till the flowers are simply petals that have fallen apart. I’ve enjoyed the whole process of seeing them change shape, colour and mood, and I’ve been looking for at what stage they’re most interesting to me.
“So I guess my advice is simply to treat your flowers like something you love and when you’re photographing them, pay attention, look at them, move them, change the light until something lights up within you... and then snap!!”
Julie Mautner - Resident Blogger
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