September 23, 2012
Capturing the Beauty of Spring: Tips for Photographing Vibrant Flowers
The varied hues of springtime are the perfect subject for photographers. They allow for the creation of images that are vibrant, fun, and beautiful and can be used to create stunning imagery that captures the essence of the season.
But how do you capture the beauty of these fleeting blooms?
In this post, I am going to explore 5 basic techniques for taking stunning photos of blooming flowers in March & beyond!
Whether you’re a seasoned student or just starting out, I hope these tips will help you make the most of this magical time of year and go from a grainy snapshot to a masterpiece. Feel free to check out more of my photography stories and join me on the ride to creative growth!
Choose Your Location Wisely
The first and most important tip for capturing the flowers in March is to choose your location wisely. Look for gardens or parks that have a variety of blooming flowers or a location that has a mix of different colors and textures to make your photos more interesting. You can also search for wildflowers growing in fields or along roadsides (your backyard is fine also!) Keep in mind that different flowers bloom at different times, so consider doing some research if you are looking to create a specific look with your photos.
Lighting is crucial when it comes to capturing the beauty of blooming flowers. The best time to take photos is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is soft and warm. Avoid taking photos in the harsh midday sun, as it can create harsh shadows and overexpose your images. Look for areas with filtered light or use a diffuser to soften the light.
Note: There are many videos on the internet that can show you how to make your own DIY camera diffuser. I used a tutorial 2 years ago and loved the results, but it seems to have been taken down since then. The video I am attaching here is similar in style and may provide some ideas for making your own.
Get Close
To capture the intricate details of the flowers, get as close as possible. Use a macro lens or switch to the macro mode on your camera (if possible) to capture the details of the petals, stamen, and pistil. Fill the frame with the flower to create a stunning image that showcases the beauty of the bloom.
Depth of field is the amount of the image that is in focus. Experiment with different depths of field to create different effects. A shallow depth of field will blur the background and create a dreamy, romantic effect, while a larger depth of field will keep the entire image in focus.
Downloading the Reference Photo
The photo above can be ‘clicked’ and ‘Save image as’, so you can use it as a reference image, print it out and follow along with the video.
Materials you will need: Brushes
- Round – Princeton Aspen size 4, series 6500
- Flat – Rosemary & Co – Small Flat ‘Bright’ Golden Synthetic, Size 12, Series 302
(I use a 2-inch decorator brush to apply a flat coloured ground before drawing the painting out)
- Canvas Board 20.32 x 25.4 cm (8 x 10 inch)
Palette Knife
- RGM Classic Line, Medium size 45, Diamond-shaped, cranked (angled) handle. I use an RGM 45 for mixing the paint.
- Uni Kuru Toga Roulette Mechanical Pencil 0.5mm HB pencil
- Faber Castell Putty Eraser
- F&W Mixed Media Paint marker, Daler Rowney, 1mm tip.
Painting tutorial for capturing the beauty of spring
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ShowMeTheShine #CollectiveBias
Who else is super excited days are finally getting longer and the weather seems to be getting warmer? There’s just something about spring. I’ve always been one to cherish the season, so I made a set of painted wine glasses recently that capture spring perfectly! Covered in colorful flowers and so uniquely mine – I’m so in love with how they turned out, I just have to share a tutorial with you so you can make a set of your own!
These little beauties are so easy to make and they are such a fun way to express your creativity! I personalized each glass with a different color flower on the bottom, a fun accent that makes each glass extra special!
I’m excited to continue making painted wine glasses – I’m even thinking these would make an awesome gift for a newlywed couple, a special treat for mom on mother’s day, or even a little present to yourself (everyone should craft pretty little things for themselves)!
Supplies:
Finish® Max in ONE™ tablets or Finish® Quantum Max™ Tablets
Stemless wine glasses
Acrylic paints (in a handful of colors)
Varnish
Paint Brushes
You’ll want to pick up a set of 4 stemless wine glasses and a pack of Finish® Max in ONE™ tablets to make sure your glasses are super clean! Plus, you can Save 5% on NEW! Max in ONE™ & Quantum Max™ Small Size with Target’s Cartwheel app from 3/29-4/25. Don’t forget to grab an extra pack, so you can shine & protect all your glassware!
The first and most important step is to wash your glasses with the Finish® Max in ONE™ tablets! They’ll be noticeably cleaner and ready for paint after just one quick run through your dishwasher!
While your glasses are in the dishwasher, you’ll want to set up your paint area. You’ll need a handful of different acrylic paints and a varnish to finish your glasses. Most likely, you’ll want a few different paint brush options! Don’t forget an older cup to rinse the brush in and a palette to keep the paint on.
Once you have everything set up, it’s time to get crafty. While I’m no expert flower painter, I had fun painting a variety of different flowers on my glasses. I actually practiced my flower painting skills on a canvas so that I could show off how I create all of the different types of flowers, you can copy these styles or create your own! Get creative and go to town on your glasses!
Cover the glasses from the bottom to about half-way up the glass, making sure not to paint to the rim (otherwise the paint will wear thin quickly). Add flowers until your glasses look absolutely perfect, let the paint dry and then it’s time for the finishing touches!
Once the paint has dried, you’ll need to varnish each glass. I used a matte varnish and only applied it where I had painted with acrylic (because I learned the hard way if you coat the whole glass you’ll likely end up with streaks). I applied two coats of varnish, waiting for the first coat to dry before applying the second coat. Once the varnish has dried completely, it’s time to party! Pour win in each glass and invite friends over!
While you are sipping your wine with your besties, you’ll definitely want to enter this giveaway! You have the chance to win all kinds of goodies, including gift cards so you can snag some Finish® tablets for yourself next time you make a Target run!
After finishing up these glasses, I’ve decided I want to make a set with gold polka dots and maybe a set with a nautical, beachy design. I’d love to hear what designs you think would be fun to paint on wine glasses?
