They are everywhere. All around us, wildflowers are growing, and they are so easy to find, all you have to do is get out to photograph them.They are such rewarding little subjects, and if you can find a little time between work and kids, use it to photograph them!

Equipment

You don’t need any amazingly sophisticated equipment to photograph them, in fact even a compact camera will do! Although, the downside to that is that you are less likely to get that professional looking background blur, because the sensor is so small.

Generally a multi-purpose DSLR with a macro lens, or even a telephoto lens with a macro setting will do fine. The macro lens should be true 1:1 macro, to produce lifesize shots. You can also use diopters, or extension tubes, although these do have a reputation for softening images.

Composition

Of course, the way you compose your images is vital to successful, eye catching images. Using a the close up method is generally the most successful, but if there is a flood of colour, such as April woodlands, or summer meadows, an all encompassing landscape photograph is often more efficient in conveying the mood.

A close- up of the flowers is very effective, and when well composed, can have a profound effect on the viewer. Early morning shots, where dew plays a role are also attractive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Light metering

All digital cameras have inbuilt light meters. Generally, their default is matrix, or evaluative metering. This is where the scene is divided into sections, and a reading is taken from each one. For macro photography, especially flowers, spot metering is the most beneficial. It takes a reading from only the central 2-5%, and is very good when photographing bright flowers because it is not fooled by bright or dark spots near the edge of the frame.

Depth of field

This is a vital factor in photography. In macro photography, it gives images a professional look, and blurs out distracting backgrounds. When photographing wildflowers, do so in A mode so that you can control the depth of field.

I hope this little guide was helpful, but quit filling up on theory, and get out and  experiment!