Attributes of a good garden photographer

Being at the beginning of my garden & flower photography project, I was keen to understand if it is deemed necessary to be an expert gardener or botanist in order to be a good photographer of gardens & flowers.

My findings suggested it was not necessary ...

I found an online interview with master photographer Clive Nichols by Geoff Harris, in which Clive said that it was not necessary to be an expert gardener or botanist in order to be a good garden & flower photograph, and that he built up his knowledge over time through photographing plants.

Since becoming a garden and flower photographer in May, and falling for gardening in 2022, I immerse myself in gardens and nature most days in one form or another. As I tend to my garden, nature reminds me how remarkable she is.

Understanding light is so important

People often remark that I must love photographing gardens in the summertime with beautiful blue skies, longer days, and when gardens are overspilling with flowers & plants.

Whilst gardens are fullest with plants during the summer months, I love to capture gardens all year round to witness and capture seasonality. My favourite light is Autumn light, when it is soft, golden with long shadows. I love the openness, muted palette, and the serenity when a garden is partially sleeping, but then occasionally, the gift of early morning mist provides drama and separation.

TO BE CONTINUED