Illuminate & Shoot Indoor Floral Arrangements
During the Spokane winter months I like to shoot indoor floral images. Most of the time I shoot during the day using natural side light. With this week’s photo challenge, “illumination,” I experimented shooting with artificial light against a dark background.
How To
<> Purchase fresh flowers from a local store. In some cases you can actually order a specific type of flower if it is not in stock. Look for flowers without blemishes.
<> Use a 60 watt light bulb with a flexible or gooseneck head so you can easily reposition the light to get just the right angle.
<> A tripod.
<> Use a dark background. In my case, a piece of black fabric. Place your dark background directly behind the flower(s) at least 2 feet.
<> Pick a room that is dark. I shot my images in our basement. After you have adjusted your set up turn off any overhead lighting.
<> Position the light at an angle to the lens, 90° is best. If you are shooting the flower straight on, the light should be above, or to the side of the flower. Move the light around to see how the pedals look.
<> Avoid overly bright areas. You will need to experiment by moving the light away from the flowers 3-4 feet.
<> Exposure is the most challenge and critical step. In most cases, I find underexposing works best as it will bring out richer colors and helps achieve a darker background. Ideally, you will need to change you camera’s white balance because you are using artifical light. Better yet, use the “pre-white balance” feature on your camera. Learn how to do that here: “Camera White Balance – A Secret Tool for Dazzling Color Images.”
<> Shoot a lot of frames. I usually end up taking at least 20 images.
<> You don’t have to limit your images to just floral.
Very nice photo Rick. Crisp and clear.
CG – Thanks for dropping in and your nice comment. Your website is really taking off!
Great hints Rick!! I have a question though. What do you hang your fabric on for the background. I was just wondering if you have any neat tricks in this regard because that’s what I always find the difficult part – getting a good background.
I shot this image in our downstairs basement. I placed a removable 3 hook coat rack that fits over the top of the door. The fabric I use is about 4′ x 4′. I drapped it over the rack, folded 1 side of the fabric inside the door and closed it to hold it in place.
The floral arrangement was in a vase and sat on a table. The actually shooting area is pretty small. I used a Tamron 90mm macro lens with a tripod.
Other solutions…
Drap fabric over a chair or table.
Cut out a ridge piece of cardboard & pin the fabric to it.
Good luck. Let me know how it goes or if you have further questions.
Thanks so much Rick!!