Think before you Click

• It may seem obvious but think why you are taking a photo in the first place. Is it a documentary record, a social occasion, a personal pleasure or a potential item for publication and wider use.
• Plan your viewpoint and composition using important features and eliminating unwanted items. Framing subjects and using items, even those behind you, may improve the image.
• Do not be tempted to cram in too much detail that causes conflict or unneeded complexity.
• Think about texture, shape, patterns and perspective in addition to the all important colour.
• Check the light and how various shadows will fall. My shadow features in too many photographs

Close up Tips

• Getting close and personal can reveal details of plants not normally inspected such as shapes patterns and colour contrasts. Small sections of a bigger subject can be very interesting.
• It may be necessary to use a tripod to keep the camera still
• Also consider wind breaks as shelter or supporting methods to hold plants still.
• Macro facilities on a digital camera or extension tubes on SLR’s help get really close.
• Use small apertures to get a depth of field. Hold the camera parallel to the most important feature of the photograph.
• Take several shots and be patient

Other Gardeners Photo Tips

• Use low view points.
• Highlight contrasting colours
• Try   unusual compositions and repetitions repeatedly.
• Droplets of water on flowers may improve and freshen up the image. Spray drops of glycerine if you are very keen.
• I need to practice what I preach by keeping a record of what, where and when an image was taken and published.