How to take great flower photos

I look forward to spring every year - it is the time for Western Australia's wildflowers to spread their colour through the bush - and with 12,000 known species it is a wildflower photographers dream.  There are some simple tips to help you capture beautiful wildflower images.

I was thrilled to be asked to guest post over on Jo Castro's Zigazag blog. Follow the link and take a look - "10 Tips for Taking Great Flower photos". And while you are there check out Jo's fabulous lifestyle and travel blog.

click on the link here - How to take great flower photos

West Australian flowers. Best time for wildflower photography in Western Australia is from July to November.
To get the best from your wildflower photography trip, start by planning around the time of year and how far you want to travel.   Influenced by rain and sunshine and boasting up to 12,000 known species, the Western Australian wildflower season spreads over several months starting from July in the north till November in the south. Each region has unique wildflower species due to environmental differences such as soil type, fauna, plant systems, geography, and weather. So visit local tourist information centres for the latest information on what is flowering where, as the best locations can vary depending on the season and rainfall.

10 Tips for great flower photos

•  Carry spare camera batteries and memory cards, and a comfortable waterproof back pack to carry your gear.
• Use the “flower” close up symbol on your camera or aperture priority to limit your depth of field. This will blur and soften the background placing the emphasis on the wildflower.  Remember small F-stop small equals small depth of field.
• In low light a tripod will help eliminate camera shake, help achieve sharp focus and allow you to shoot at a slower shutter speed without using a flash.
• A reflector will help get more light onto your subject.
• Take multiple shots and vary the angle.
• If there is a breeze use your jacket as a windbreak to stop plant movement.
• Whilst a macro lens is preferred for wildflower photography it is not essential. The images shown here were taken with a close up filter fitted to the front of my lens. This will produce good results at a fraction of the cost.
• Photograph the flower, leaves and environment, or take notes to assist with identification in a wildflower book later.
• Take images that show the flower in its environment to help tell the whole story.
• Stopping the car and walking into the bush will give you the opportunity to find flowers you won’t see whilst driving along the highway.

 6 places around Bunbury in Western Australia, where you can  bush walk and take great flower photos are:_

1. Manea Park College Grove
2. The Maidens Walk
3. The Tuart Forest
4. Leschenault Penninsula
5. Bushland at cnr Parade Rd & Westwood Street Bunbury
6. Crooked Brook Forest Dardanup.

When I am unable to get away for a wildflower drive, I am lucky to have a lovely little patch of bush near our home in suburbia – it is a peaceful retreat from our busy lives.