Garden Photography - A Guide To Taking Better Pictures

I am a professional garden photographer who happens to also be entirely self-taught, so I understand first-hand the best practices beginners should adopt to take better garden pictures. Photography can transform the way we see gardens and flowers, capturing the beauty and detail that we might otherwise overlook. Whether you're an aspiring photographer or a keen gardener, learning how to photograph plants and flowers can be a rewarding way to showcase the essence of a garden. In this guide, I'll walk you through some essential garden and flower photography tips to help you take your first steps into this unique field.

1. Understanding Light and Weather Conditions

When it comes to garden photography, natural light plays a crucial role in creating beautiful, well-balanced images. Shooting during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) gives you softer, more flattering light that enhances the natural tones of the garden and flowers. Avoid harsh midday sunlight, as it can cast deep shadows and cause overexposure, particularly in close-up flower photography.

For close-ups, light clouds or overcast conditions provide a natural diffuser, softening shadows and highlighting the details of your subject. If you have someone to help, consider using a handheld diffuser to control the light more precisely.

2. Working Your Subject: Experiment with Angles

It’s easy to point your camera at a beautiful flower and snap a quick picture, but to truly capture the best image, you need to work your subject. Try photographing from different angles and perspectives. A flower that looks flat when photographed head-on may appear far more dynamic from the side or a lower angle. With garden photography, experimenting with height can give you unique compositions. Kneeling or even lying down to capture lower plants, or getting higher up for an overhead shot, can result in standout images.

3. Mastering Composition

Composition is key to drawing attention to your subject. The rule of thirds is a useful starting point; divide your frame into nine equal sections and place the focal point where the lines intersect. However, don’t be afraid to break this rule if it doesn’t suit the subject. Furthermore, pay attention to the background - is it distracting or does it complement the flowers? In garden photography, the balance between foreground, subject, and background is essential to creating a harmonious image.

4. Aperture Settings: Depth of Field

Understanding how aperture affects your photos is a crucial skill. For wide garden shots, you may want a narrow aperture (high f-stop number) to ensure everything is in focus, from the nearest plant to the farthest. On the other hand, flower photography often benefits from a wide aperture (low f-stop number) to create a shallow depth of field, making the flower stand out against a soft, blurred background. Experiment with your aperture settings to see what works best for each shot.

5. Editing Your Photos

Post-processing is where your image comes to life. Programs like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop allow you to tweak exposure, contrast, and colour to bring out the best in your photos. While editing, aim to restore the RAW image back to what you saw with your eye. Whether you prefer a naturalistic style that enhances true-to-life colours or a more artistic, desaturated look, find a style that suits you. Play around with the vibrancy of the greens in garden shots or the contrast in close-ups to add depth and dimension.

6. Focus on Detail and Texture

In flower photography, close-up shots can reveal incredible textures and patterns within the petals, leaves, and stems. Make use of a macro lens to get crisp, detailed shots that show the intricate beauty of each bloom. In garden photography, focus on the texture of stone paths, water features, or garden sculptures to add layers to your composition. Incorporating these elements adds depth and interest to your portfolio.

7. Capturing Movement in the Garden

Gardens are full of life, and movement adds an extra layer of vibrancy to your photos. Whether it’s the sway of tall grasses in the breeze or a bee landing on a flower, capturing these fleeting moments brings an added dimension to your work. A faster shutter speed can freeze movement, while a slower speed can create a soft blur that conveys motion.

8. Use a Tripod for Stability

For sharp, well-focused images - especially in low light - using a tripod is key. It allows you to reduce camera shake and focus on framing the shot perfectly. This is particularly useful during golden hour or when shooting in shaded areas where you need longer exposure times.

Conclusion

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, garden and flower photography offers endless opportunities for creativity. By paying attention to lighting, composition, and the technical aspects of your camera, you can capture the beauty of nature in a way that resonates with viewers. Keep practicing, experimenting, and most importantly - enjoy the process of photographing the natural world.

If you would like to learn from me directly, I offer in-person garden & flower photography workshops from March-October each year. For more information click here