by Kerry Drager
I love outdoor photography, but I can't always get out to the famous national parks or other grand scenic sites. So I shoot nature anywhere I find it ... and sometimes it's where I least expect it.
My wife Mary and I recently explored California's Napa Valley in search of wildflowers. It was an overcast day - ideal for shooting close-ups because of the beautifully soft and diffused light. We passed by many beautiful hills and vineyards, but the early season meant few flowers.
However, in photography, it really pays to pay close attention. And Mary discovered some lupines in a very un-scenic location - right along the edge of a parking lot!
Since there were only scattered lupines (small image), I decided to concentrate on a single bloom. Here's how I captured Lupine Macro (at top):
- Low perspective: I stretched out for a ground's-eye view. Since macro photography demands precise focusing, composing and sharpness, I also used a tripod - a Manfrotto model that permits low-level angles.
- Background: Glaring "hot" spots, contrasting bright colors, etc., will detract from your foreground subject. In Lupine Macro, I chose a very shallow depth of field (DOF) - for a sharp-against-blur effect - via a wide aperture (low f-number of f/4) and a relatively large distance between subject and background.
- Composition: An off-center subject placement is usually more dynamic than a centered one. I also slanted the camera slightly for additional visual energy. In addition, I included a hint of lupine at the left to help break up the otherwise solid background.
- Tech details: D-SLR camera (Nikon D3), macro lens (105mm Nikkor Micro), f/4 @ 1/350th sec., ISO 200. No filter or Photoshop effects used.
Have fun with your wildflower photography this spring!
Comments