Five Secrets to Great Flower Pictures

You don't have to be a professional photographer to capture great flower pictures, whether you want to show off the splendor of a rose in your garden or shoot pictures of flowers during your travels. Here are five secrets to taking great flower pictures.

Tip 1: Lighting for Flower Pictures

It can be tempting to wait for the brightest midday sun to take your flower pictures. That's actually one of the worst times because the powerful sunlight will wash out your image, and can create harsh shadows.

Instead, take flower pictures when it's overcast, or in the morning, afternoon or evening when the sun isn't as bright and overpowering. This will result in more saturated colors in the blooms of the flowers.

Tip 2: Level with the Flowers

To get unique and beautiful flower pictures, move around. Don't just stand and shoot it. Try getting on the same level with it, standing above it, or even shooting underneath it. Play with distances of how close or far away you are.

Tip 3: Focus on the Flowers

Be sure you have a focal point, whether it is a cluster of brightly colored flowers or simply one blossom. Follow the photography rule of thirds, and avoid placing your

Also be sure you pay close attention to everything in your frame. Watch in particular for distractions or unattractive items or lines in the foreground and background. If you encounter that, try moving into another position to shoot.

Tip 4: Keep it Steady

A potentially stunning flower picture can be ruined by something as simple as human nature: the shaky hand. Even if you think your hand is steady, you might be surprised that it does move. Try using a tripod (you can even get a mini tripod if you don't want to lug around a large one.

Tip 5: Add Some Spice to Your Flowers

Don't just shoot the flower, but also look for unique ways to capture the flower or flowers. You can try framing the flower with something natural in the environment, such as dangling vines. You can also look for insects on flowers to make for an interesting flower picture.