A Minor Addiction: Photographing Flowers

So a beautiful yellow daisy flowing gracefully in the soft afternoon wind, drenched in warm sunshine, mesmerizes me. First and foremost, I feel a rush of joy, followed by an overwhelming sense of gratitude that I've been allowed to return to and revisit my yellow daisy. Another opportunity to make a new photograph worthy of adorning my wall has arisen after I've previously captured her in the past.

I'm not using my tripod this time around either. That was a strange choice, wasn't it? It's possible, but here are some of the things I've been considering. First and first, this is a personal choice that each photographer must make; second, there are no right or incorrect choices when the goal is creative expression.

The use of a tripod not only slows down the shooting process (which is a good thing), but it also gives the photographer the opportunity to design the image as they see fit without losing sight of the point of view they've selected. In addition, it greatly aids in stabilizing the camera, reducing the likelihood of camera wobble. Adding a little spring zephyr to the mix quickly negates that advantage, making movement an aesthetic necessity, whether or not you have a tripod!

I'm quickly moving on to my favorite part of the conversation:

For many years, I lived and breathed fashion photography, and although I used a tripod a lot in the studio, I preferred to shoot on location with my monstrous medium format camera in my hands (GX680). Though cycling through each picture was not a chore since it had an autowind feature, having the ability to approach each image by circling the subject to see how the world seemed from that viewpoint was a thrilling experience. That's some very great stuff! When I'm using a tripod to take pictures of my fairly inanimate beautiful yellow flowers and the like, I feel like I'm tethered to it. Never allow someone to tell you that there is just one right way to do anything (ironically, almost always their way-strange...). Discipline is not only about the things you use, but rather about how you use them and how consistently you use them.

Another variable to consider is digital.

Freedom! Because of the ease with which digital technology allows me to access my creative juices as well as my wallet, I see no reason why I can't embrace it. This would be expensive on film if you prefer to shoot a lot of each angle, like I do. If you're just starting out as a photographer, or even if you're a seasoned pro, I strongly encourage you to take as many photos as possible, and to shoot at the best possible resolution. Those "one that got away" tales make me want to cry.

The key is to be disciplined and clever. Go out and shoot with a checklist of things to check, mental or written, and utilize it every time. Try explaining to a customer why you left the charged batteries at the studio unattended, or worse, a whispered aside to the assistant, "Herm, where's the film?" It's the simple things. As if it wasn't bad enough, "I thought you packed it." Yes, check-ins rule!

Then there's the stunning yellow dress.

It's time to consider yet another option. Create a fast outdoor studio backdrop with flags, fills, and scrim, or use the natural scenery as your subject. For my part, I like having as much freedom as possible to choose my own surroundings. This image has a rich, deep orange backdrop with my model, resplendent in yellow organza, slouching in the foreground. What a beautiful daisy!

Don't ever limit your capacity to shoot by not preparing ahead of time. It never hurts to have a few extras handy...

In preparation for my trip, I took a series of various colored cards (A4 sheets), since the work is so near and my subjects are so small, and I made a small circular hole (a keyhole in effect), which fit perfectly around the stem of most flowers without causing any significant harm to them. Photoshop will take care of the slit. Don't worry! While I apologize to the purists out there, I think it's a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity if you have it.

For good measure, I threw in some foil, white card, and black card. Fill this tiny mobile studio with flags!If you're going to do it, do it right the first time. On a dull surface like a wall, the foil may be used to create patterns or glitter, while white card can be utilized in the shadows and black card can define the margins of white or light things. A sheet of scrim might be a good addition to the mix on days when the sun is out in full force. Working with diffuse light may be a lot simpler with cloudy weather or a good piece of scrim. Color saturation is rich and pleasant without sacrificing much in the shadows or highlights. Get ready!

Full-on sunlight, with its blistering heat and glaring glare, should not be discounted. The drama and glimmer of working outside in the light can be breathtaking. Take a pause and enjoy the freedom of choice. If you're going to get the shot, you need to keep your eye on the prize and never lose sight of it.

Observe the splendor!