Flowers and plant pictures

Yesterday it really felt that spring had arrived!  We spent a sunny afternoon at Wakehurst, the RHS botanical gardens near to us.
I  love taking pictures of flowers and plants. I thought I would take a few pictures to illustrate a couple of techniques I use. As a family we regularly visit National Trust properties and heritage sites and before we hit the tea shop, I like photographing of the grounds.
I want to look at two things,
1. The usefulness of  a Polarising filter
2. Composition

The Polarising Filter
I generally use a polarising filter on most of my outdoor picture taking.
One of the more pricey filters to buy for your camera, but it can be used to good effects.
Essentially like a pair of polaroid sunglasses it cuts out reflections in water and reflective surfaces.
it is made of two pieces of glass which can be revolved, reducing the glare.

With a  Polarising Filter

Without a Polarising Filter

The filter reduces the glare in the water, the effect is different according the angle of the sun.

Notice my composition.

we talk more about that on our workshop days. Applying the thirds rule in composing the shot. The stream, is off centre in approx. the right hand third of the shot.The main bulk of the tree takes up the left hand third. 

With polarising filter

Without Polarising filter

Polarisers can be used to intensify colours and skies. A bit like the skylight filter it cuts through haze, and adds contrast in the sky. Shine on leaves can be reduced using this filter. Pictures will also print out better with more contrast and clarity.

Without Polarising Filter

With Polarising filter

I like to play around with layers and shapes in composing a shot. using complimentary colours  behind a plant or flower to add interest, these ar few more of the afternoon, all with the polarising filter

 

 

With close up pictures focusing is key. Try hard to make sure the camera is locked in to where you want it to focus. If its mis-focusing take it out of Auto and focus it yourself. Being in such a beatifull garden does offer lots of picture opportunities, get up close with the plants, use the macro facility on the camera and enjoy!