flowers my own way
When I say FLOWERS people say MACRO, in a Pavlovian way that amuses me. Well, for me, flower photography does not mean going into the intimacy of flowers. I prefer to use a long lens and keep my distance. It seems hard for some people to believe my pictures are done in such a way. But that’s what I do. Let me share with you my quick guide for flower photography.
My Lens for Flowers
Macro is not the way I like to photograph flowers. Sometimes I do, but most of the time I prefer the results from a long lens. The first lens I pick up for flowers is a 100-400mm. For years I’ve used this lens and most recently I bought my third lens of this type: the new Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM, for a very specific reason: it allows me to focus at about half the distance of the original 100-400mm. If you want to know more about this read my article Review: The New Canon EF 100-400mm for Flowers and Bees.
Photographing Flowers
It is easy to take a photograph of a flower, and even with a point and shoot you an do it. Point... and shoot. Everyday people upload millions of flower photographs on the web, but most of them go unnoticed. In fact, to create a better photograph of a flower you need something more, that makes the image stand out from many others.
After all, as I said, there are millions of flower photographs out there, so you need to do something different, that makes people look twice. And no, you do not need a MACRO lens to do so. You need to SEE and understand your subject.
If you're interested, do get in touch. I prefer small groups and One2One sessions, by arrangement, are the best. Or you can get a group of friends maximum 3) and have a session in your own terms... as long as there are flowers to photograph. Do remember, though, that we will be doing flower photography My Own Way.
Canon users have a special option: I've an old 100-400m my trusty lens, for them to use for the time of a session. Have you ever tried to see the world of flowers through a 100-400mm lens? Look at the images on this page. Want your own to look the same?
Where: Places with flowers! (Portugal)
When: by arrangement
Cost: €200 first photographer / €40 additional photographers
Group Size: 3
Highlights: Flower photography done in a simple way, with normal lenses, accessible to anyone with patience and time to wait and SEE.
Registration: To register, or if you have any questions, please send email to info[at]joseantunes[dot]com.
