The sunshine is finally here, and many of us will be spending more time outside. That's the perfect opportunity to photograph the garden. Sometimes the best subjects to frame are right under our noses. Here are our top tips to get you started.
Choose your subject
Think of your subject as the main plot of a story. Before you take a single shot, decide what you are trying to capture. Flowers are the most photographed subject, with all their variety of colour and form, but they are not the only choice.
Next time you're in the garden, look for something different that catches the eye: the garden gate, a path, hanging decorations or, if you're lucky, the local wildlife. Whatever you choose, keep it as the focal point and consider how its surroundings complement it.
You don't have to photograph the whole subject. Shoot a small section, or play with contrast and make a silhouette. A detail tells a story and lets the viewer imagine what else you saw.
Pick the right time
The best light usually comes in the golden hour, early in the morning or at sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon and the effect is more dramatic. A garden can change completely in that light. But any time of day can work if you take the time to find the right subject.
Give it some personality
Every garden has its own character and quirks. Think about what makes yours special to you, and find interesting ways to bring it out.
Use the weather
All weather is good for photography, and in the UK you are never far from a shower.
- Rain. Look at what water droplets do to the scene. On windows and flowers they can look brilliant.
- Cloud. Photograph the cloud formations. Dark clouds give a moodier feel, and cloud acts as a natural diffuser, removing hard shadows.
Understand colour
The dominant colour in most gardens is green, and it has a big influence on the other colours and tones in your photographs. Some excellent websites and apps provide colour palettes and show which colours complement one another.
Have fun with it
You get the best results when you enjoy what you're doing. Your pictures may not be perfect at the first attempt. Don't be disheartened. With a little patience you'll be pleasantly surprised.
- Don't zoom. Zooming too far on a camera or phone loses sharpness.
- Keep your lens clean. Simple, but very effective.
- Change your viewpoint. Get higher on a step or ladder, or get down low.
- Take more photos than you think you need. It improves your chances of finding the perfect one.
- Practise. Like any skill, it improves the more you do it.
We'd love to see your results on our Facebook page. Need help framing them? Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@EasyFrame.co.uk. We'll always chat, even if you don't want to buy.