Capturing the Beauty of Lycoris Radiata During Autumn Equinox | Focus #305

Named for its blooming period during the autumn equinox, the Lycoris Radiata is a familiar flower in Japan. Known for its crimson flowers, it also comes in white and yellow varieties.

The bulbs are toxic and are often planted along paths to deter moles and mice from fields. They are also seen around graves, historically planted to protect the deceased from animals during burials.

To highlight the red color of Lycoris Radiata, proper exposure and white balance are key. Setting the exposure slightly underexposed makes the red appear deeper and more vivid, enhancing contrast with the background.

Cloudy days provide soft light, making the red color richer, ideal for photography. Setting the white balance to 'cloudy' enhances the warm red tones.

Using bokeh when photographing Lycoris Radiata can emphasize the flower's three-dimensionality and depth. By setting the aperture wide open and blurring the background, the Lycoris Radiata stands out as the main subject.

Placing multiple Lycoris Radiata creates natural bokeh in the foreground or background, resulting in a more dimensional and profound photo.

After the rain, Lycoris Radiata adorned with water droplets exudes a more enchanting atmosphere. Focusing on the droplets during close-up photography captures the reflection of the Lycoris Radiata within, creating a piece that captures a small world. Using a macro lens allows for sharp detail, enabling delicate expressions.

To emphasize the distinctive shape of Lycoris Radiata, shooting from a low angle is effective. Capturing from a ground-level perspective highlights the delicate spread and three-dimensionality of the petals.

Using a wide-angle lens can make the flower's form appear large and dynamic, creating contrast with the surrounding scenery for a more impressive photo. Especially with a blue sky background, the red of the Lycoris Radiata stands out, resulting in a more dramatic piece.