some flowers i took today, tips to improve?

thes3raph1m · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2008, 01:32 PM

its getting close to work, i have to leave in about 2 minutes so im just gonna upload these as are (ive level adjusted) and then go... but take a look, some early blooms this year i took just within 20 minutes of my home (yes some are in gardens, not necissarily mine)

Geoff F · #2 (**permalink**) 11-02-2008, 07:43 PM

With flowers it is suprisingly difficult to get excellent results every time. For general tips I would say:- Avoid direct bright sunshine. Use a small aperture as your depth of field can be as little as 1/2 inch otherwise, this will vary with the available light level. Always use a tripod, or other firm support. Use spot metering and also adjust exposure compensation if you are getting a partial reading from the background; also, flowers with light and dark areas will need special care to prevent blown highlights, it is better to underexpose the dark areas and use software to improve the balance later. Keep the ISO as low as possible, having regard to the previous considerations. Avoid windy days, or provide a windbreak.

With practice, all of this becomes second nature to you and results just keep improving.

jimmer · #3 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008, 06:36 PM

Yes like Geoff said always use a tripod and get the focus spot on where you want it. Also find good specimens if you can. regards Jim

GerryNick2 · #4 (**permalink**) 13-02-2008, 03:46 PM

I always use a tripod, the smallest aperture available and a remote shutter release. I take several shots and compensate to avoid blown highlights. Movement can be a problem with flowers and you need to get the balance right with a high shutter speed to freeze the movement and a small aperture to get the depth of field. A little fill flash can sometimes help.

Just keep experimenting until you get it right.

Gerry

glsammy · #5 (**permalink**) 13-02-2008, 06:51 PM

One point worth considering, have you got a wide angled lens? I've been surprised how good my Sigma 10-20mm is at flower shots. Being wide angled, the depth of field is exceptional, you can really close up. Not macro, but that's not what I was after.
Here's an example:

This was hand held, 1/250sec @ F13.0 ISO 200. Taken at 20mm end of the lens.