Cover photo by ek_photofeeling
Just taking a walk with your camera can transform the plants around you into photogenic subjects. Plant portraits are a photography genre that can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike, without the need for special equipment or long trips.
In this article, we delve into the perspectives and ideas of creators worldwide, exploring the discoveries, relaxation, and creativity that come from photographing plants. One of the great appeals of this genre is that you can easily start with just a smartphone.
Photo by daphoto
Plants Are the Perfect Practice Subjects
Stationary plants are ideal subjects for camera beginners. From potted plants at home to roadside weeds and trees in the park, there are plenty of subjects to photograph nearby. Their colors and shapes change with the seasons and weather, offering a different expression each time, even in the same location.
Photo by だいひょう
It's the perfect genre to naturally learn basic techniques like composition, lighting, and focusing. As you continue shooting, your observational skills and aesthetic sense will naturally improve.
Enhancing Beauty with Bokeh and Macro
To emphasize the delicate beauty of plants, "soft bokeh" and a "macro perspective" are essential. By creating a significant distance between the subject and the background and shooting with a wide aperture (around f/2.8), you can produce striking photos where only the main subject stands out.
Using a 100mm macro lens allows you to beautifully capture the intricate details of petals and leaves.
Photo by saciiiko
Even with a smartphone, you can achieve similar effects by using portrait mode. Simply paying attention to composition and background organization can significantly enhance the quality of your photos.
Adding Stories and Emotions
Instead of just "capturing" plants, try to imbue them with stories and emotions. Backlit leaves, flowers adorned with raindrops, withered stems, or seeds—changing your perspective opens up endless possibilities for expression.
Photo by yuko.
By seeking out abstract elements like shapes, lines, textures, and symmetry, you can capture miraculous moments from seemingly ordinary scenes. The process of shooting itself becomes a dialogue with nature, reflecting your inner self like a mirror.
