Think About Your Composition
First thing I always do is compose my scene. I find this not only saves time but also helps me to get the shot I imagined.
Think about the different angles and point of views. Think the flower as a portrait, think about it’s personality and how do you want it to look like. This will help you to create a visual story. Try to compose your subject in a way that gives it much attention.
Study the Light
In any kind of photography light is always the most important part. You can create some beautiful images if you use light properly. Give a close attention to your subject and try to see how it’s looking different in different kind of lights.
[aesop_image lightbox=”on” captionposition=”left” caption=”Photo shot using backlight.” align=”center” alt=”Ashraful Arefin” imgwidth=”100%” img=”https://img.phototips.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_24712.jpg”]
Play with different settings, you can create moods and atmosphere just by using light. Try using both high and low-key lighting, see if you are getting the desired look in the light you are working with.
[aesop_image lightbox=”on” captionposition=”left” caption=”Photo shot in bright daylight.” align=”center” alt=”Ashraful Arefin” imgwidth=”100%” img=”https://img.phototips.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_1290.jpg”]
Play with Petals
I always love to play with petals, for me they add a dreamy and carefree kind of feel to the image. Just drop some petals and capture them in the mid-air. Now it’s a bit tricky and hard to capture them altogether, especially if you want to fill the frame. So I find it’s easy to composite the images. A tripod will come handy for this. First I take my main shot without any petals, then I switch my camera to manual focus to keep a fixed focus. I drop the petals from above and use the self-timer to capture them falling. I take several shots to ensure the petals would fill the frame, and then I composite them together with my first image in photoshop.
[aesop_image lightbox=”on” captionposition=”left” align=”center” alt=”Ashraful Arefin” imgwidth=”100%” img=”https://img.phototips.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_1402.jpg”]
Add Elements to Create Atmosphere
You can add elements like rain, smoke even snow to create a beautiful and moody atmosphere. And you can do this using cheap everyday objects. You can create rain with a plastic spray water bottle. Just spray the water over the flower and capture the moment. You may need to adjust the shutter speed depending on how heavy you want the rain to look. a slower shutter speed will make it appear softer.
[aesop_image lightbox=”on” captionposition=”left” align=”center” alt=”ashraful arefin” imgwidth=”100%” img=”https://img.phototips.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_00161.jpg”]
You can also light some incense to get a fog effect, or sprinkle flour to create a fake snow fall, or blow some bubbles to create a fun and dreamy look. There are so many options!
Get Creative with the Background
A good background is essential for a beautiful photo. No matter how great your subject is if the background is dull or distracting then the subject won’t stand out. Try to create a background that compliments the subject.
[aesop_image lightbox=”on” captionposition=”left” caption=”Bokeh created with backlight and wet glass behind.” align=”center” alt=”ashraful arefin” imgwidth=”100%” img=”https://img.phototips.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_1747.jpg”]
Try with natural backgrounds. You can shoot at wide aperture, It will create beautiful bokeh and the subject will stand out. A prime lens would be a great choice for this. You can also create your own backgrounds. There are many ways to get beautiful bokeh.
[aesop_image lightbox=”on” captionposition=”left” caption=”Photo shot using window light and a plain blue sheet of fabric in the background.” align=”center” alt=”ashraful arefin” imgwidth=”100%” img=”https://img.phototips.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/27th-julysonnet-for-a-rainy-day.jpg”]
Here’s one technique I use: place a wet glass with water sprayed on and use a backlight. For seamless one colour background you can use a sheet of paper or fabric. Just place it behind your subject and shoot. You can also use different types of scrapbook papers, textured papers even newspapers to create interesting backgrounds. All you have to do is to look a bit differently and get creative.
[aesop_image lightbox=”on” captionposition=”left” caption=”Shot with natural background, wide aperture like f/1.8 or f/1.4 can create beautiful soft bokeh. ” align=”center” alt=”ashraful arefin” imgwidth=”100%” img=”https://img.phototips.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC_0272.jpg”]
Use Colours
One of the best thing about flowers is their colours! You can capture the colours of summer, autumn or spring, or create a pop of colour by shooting a bright, vibrant flower in a muted background, or use some pastel colour flowers to create a soft and dreamy image. The possibilities are endless!
[aesop_parallax lightbox=”on” captionposition=”bottom-left” floaterdirection=”up” floaterposition=”left” floater=”on” parallaxbg=”on” height=”500″ img=”https://img.phototips.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/13th-julyfell-from-heaven.jpg”]
Post Processing
I always post process my images in Photoshop. First I do regular corrections like noise reduction, exposure etc in Adobe Camera raw. Later I open my images in photoshop and use adjustment layers to get the desired colours and tones. I basically use selective colours, colour balance, fill colour etc and also play with the blending modes like soft light, screen. This is just my way of editing photos. You can use different techniques in your own way, the key is to getting the photo and result you want.
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Last but not the least, have fun with your creation!
Ashraful Arefin
My name is Ashraful Arefin. I was born in May 3rd of 1987 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I grew up in Dhaka and currently based in the same city. I was always very interested in drawing and painting, and wanted to be an artist from the childhood. I started studying Fine Arts and have chosen Graphic Design as my major in the university. I was photographically born in 2013 when I started doing a 365 project, and I completely fell in love with photography and found my true passion for it. After graduating in 2014 I’ve decided to take photography as a career and right now I’m giving my full-time for it. Right now I’m working with some reputed international agencies and also on my personal projects.