Attributes of a good garden photographer

Being at the beginning of my garden & flower photography project, I was keen to understand if it is 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 mad about gardening in 2022, I immerse myself in gardens every day by watching garden programmes, talking to gardeners & flower growers, and photographing gardens & flowers. My passion for it sees me absorbing and recalling information and characteristics of gardens & flowers at a rapid rate. The visiting and photographing the seasonal changes in Brigitte Girling's garden in Suffolk in 2022 kick-started my knowledge. And, everyday, I immerse myself in my own garden; tend to it, watch it, notice and delight in how amazing nature 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 show seasonality, and late Autumn, plus the Winter is when the light is soft and 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