CREATIVE FLOWER PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS - Using Shallow Depth Of Field

In this photography tutorial Ray Scott uses a wide aperture to create large areas that are out of focus. The effect can be beautiful. The areas not in focus can be used to frame a flower or one can even shoot through flowers in the foreground to create an ethereal feel. In fact, at times, it almost seems like you are in the garden for a "bugs eye" view. Using a shallow DOF can bring out the delicate quality that most flowers possess thus highlighting one of the greatest qualities that floral ...flowers have. This is a photography tutorial for beginners and a photography tutorial for advanced photographers since the goal is really to get the shutterbug thinking in different ways...something that we all need to do no matter the skill level or number of years behind the camera. Creative photography ideas...for the photographer who loves to experiment.
When in studio or in the field Ray uses Canon gear. This is a choice he made years ago knowing that he was buying into a system that he could grow into. His go to camera is the Canon EOS 6D with the second camera being a Canon 5D. Lenses used are all L series f/4 except for the 50mm macro with extender. 16-35mm f/4L, 24-105mm f/4L, and 70-200mm f/4L round out the kit which is carried about with either a Lowepro Urban Reporter 250 messenger bag for city shooting or a Lowepro Sling Bag for landscape field work. While Ray does more camera handholding than before due to the image stabilization capabilities of his various lenses, he still is a believer in using his Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod. It's light and it is sturdy.
Ray is a firm believer in exposing himself to as much photography and its history as possible. By looking at other people's photos, he has gained a big appreciation of what this medium has to offer. Ray doesn't think that "copying" someone else's style is a good thing but rather feels that exposing oneself to others work can work as a teaching and inspirational tool. With this in mind, Ray has amassed a list of favorite photographers that he uses for inspiration. Some of these artistic photographers are Galen Rowell, Ansel Adams, Frans Lanting, Annie Leibovitz, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, Freeman Patterson, William Neill and Richard Avedon.
One of the playlists on this channel is called "neighbourhood photographer" which covers tutorials shot in urban and suburban areas. It's always a challenge to see different things of interest when you've been to an area many times yet this is the best way to create good images. You need to return to familiar locations many times. To do so, Ray often drives by car to an area but when he really wants to cover ground yet see things more clearly, he uses his bicycle…bike…and explores the given place.
Whether shooting landscape, macro, portrait or abstract images, Ray always tries to be aware of his surroundings to capture the best pictures possible. Part of this workflow means he is very aware of composition and uses various tips, such as the rule of thirds, as a good starting point in composing. He also likes to break rules from time to time to add new effects to his photos. Being aware of angles, shadows, shapes, lines, textures, patterns and colours goes a long way to making good pictures. He is also a big believer in "getting out there" and shooting as much as possible as it is the only way to improve and flex one's imagination. His message is it doesn't matter if you do your photography in the city, suburbs country, mountains or by the sea, just make sure you do it and follow your artistic passion.
Find me also on…
Twitter... / visart66
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[@johnwest7228]

I'm subscribed but youtube has not been suggesting your videos to me- glad I happened upon them again- love your presentation and creativeness- will be watching as many as I can find

[@alvaferjoe2117]

You always amaze me Ray. Very well explained, very eloquent speaker. Easy to follow

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Thank you so much Jofer. Your words are much appreciated. Cheers and have a wonderful New Year.

[@camerarover7124]

Nicely explained. Easy narrative to listen to. Garden photography is a favourite of mine

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Thanks Richard. I agree, garden photography is a lot of fun. Have a great day. Ray

[@treehug56]

Very easy to listen to...clearly explained. Nature photography is my passion and I love all the tips!

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Hi Susan. Thank you for the nice words and for watching. It's wonderful to have a passion for photography so I'm really happy for you and wish you the best in you nature photography endeavours.

[@Commander_Sonak]

Thank you for the great tutorials. I'm getting back into photography and your videos are inspiring.

[@villemononen5303]

Very good video, thank you! Been shooting with mirrorless cameras for a year now and still playing around to find my style. Spring is about to bloom soon, oh it's wonderful to start capturing nature as it comes alive again! What i notice though, is that often i like to frame my shots with foreground (and background) objects. Additionally using manual lenses makes the process even more thoughtful, well, it's lovely to handle ye old manual lenses anyways. This spring / summer i will out-do myself, i will rise to the next level. Thanks for the lovely pictures and tips, have a fantastic day!

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Thank you for the nice comments and for watching the video. Sounds to me like you can't wait to get out there for the great Spring regeneration. I'm with you on that. It also sounds like your thought processes, what you go through when photographing, are very interesting and can yield some really good photos. Have fun with the new season and have a super day!

[@padraicreid1234]

Fantastic, informative videos with an excellent easy to understand delivery. One of the best that I have encountered. I love the folding chair. I have no difficulty getting down low but I do have difficulty getting back up. Well done Ray!

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Hi there Padraic. Thank you so much and I'm glad to hear you are able to do some "low" photography. Keep on enjoying this beautiful medium and have a super day.

[@alanaddison3382]

Good tips I like flower photography and with your tips hope to get better at it Thanks lets see more

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Hi Alan. Thanks so much for the nice words and good luck with your flower photography projects.

[@ramblersnook]

Hello Ray, your videos are inspiring. It has given me a different perspective on how to present a flower. Focusing techniques, where to focus and focussing manually has helped me. Thanks a lot for sharing knowledge and building a community. Best Regards, Girish

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Hi Girish. Thanks so much and have a great weekend.

[@ramblersnook]

@@VisualArtPhotography Thanks Ray. If I want to send my work to you for review/comments, can I do that?

[@alendorg]

Wonderful! And very inspitational. Thank you so much for your lesson, Ray. And not only for this particular one, but for all of your splendid materials. I am your devoted listener and viewer.

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Thank you once again Anatoly. Your comments are kind and much appreciated.

[@johnscratchley3288]

Interesting angle on flower photography Ray, a couple of great shot in the video. As a gardener and wed to a 'garden guru' I shoot a lot of this type of photography. Cheers!

[@VisualArtPhotography]

You’re a lucky man John. Garden guru’s are priceless when it comes to flower photography 😊 It’s a lot of fun as you know. All the best John and thanks for watching.

[@johnscratchley3288]

Thanks Ray. Gardening is something we enjoy and living on Vancouver Island has its perks :)

[@zenarobinson3851]

beautiful photos & an excellent tutorial! many thanks!

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Thanks so much Zena and thank you for watching.

[@carolnglinjoo4059]

Interesting.. Is not what you see, is how you see it.. Thanks...

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Thanks for watching!

[@abeersabri6161]

thank you for this video. I've been trying to use my 18-55 lens but now I learned to use the 70-300 mm lens for this type of pictures!

[@VisualArtPhotography]

You’re very welcome Abeer. Enjoy the day.

[@AdrianJNyaoi]

Good tips; will try this out soon.

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Thanks and good luck Adrian.

[@No2theBS]

Great tips there Ray thank you.

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Hey Rob. You are welcome and thank you for watching.

[@jorgbauer8219]

Again an intetesting Video, each of these gives inspirations. Continue in this way 👍

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Thanks Jorg and have a great day.

[@pareshkathale1]

Just awesome...

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Thank you!

[@tam4870]

Just discovered your channel ... and subscribed immediately ! Many thanks for your advices and inspirational tips :)

[@VisualArtPhotography]

You're welcome Tamara. I'm really happy you are enjoying the channel and thank you for subscribing. Have a great day!

[@artygracja2097]

I like your channel and surelly will come back often. You have knowledge and you are nice person. Congratulations. I am also a fan of flower photography and have a website.

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Thanks Marta. Glad you're enjoying the channel. Yes, flower photography is a lot of fun. Have a nice day!

[@yitzchallevi8208]

Great job Ray!

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Thank you so much Yizchal.

[@cookiebisquit7293]

You definitely need more subscribers, great content!

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Yes, more subs would be great but it does take time. Thanks for the nice words and have a super photography day.

[@Sudique1]

Thanks for the clear and easy explanation. Also, I like how you worked the out-of-focus flowers into your photo. Can you tell me the brand of the folding chair? I'm one of the people who wrote before about having difficulty getting on the ground. Great video.

[@VisualArtPhotography]

These folding chairs sometimes referred to as camping chairs, are available in many places. Mine is from an outfit called Travelwell but there are others. You can find them in places like Sears or in sporting goods stores or on eBay. Hope that helps and I'm happy you enjoyed the video. Thanks, Ray

[@tridentroy]

Awesome sir

[@yujinlandscapephotography.7787]

Nice tutorial! 👌Thank! sir.

[@VisualArtPhotography]

And I thank you for watching. Have a great day.

[@duncangibson5631]

Easy to listen to and understandable video I'll be back

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Hey Duncan. I'm really happy you enjoyed the video and I'm glad you'll come back for more. Have a great day!

[@peterbunker1099]

Just subscribed - great videos.

[@VisualArtPhotography]

I'm so glad you enjoy the videos and thanks for subscribing Peter.

[@xhappy425]

Can you do that using smartphone without using editing tools? Thanks

[@markharris5771]

I have some quite profound upper body nerve damage which means I cannot walk far and have very limited upper body movement and very poor breathing. I also have problems sitting because damage done to my liver and bladder through very high levels of medication. If I have to get low I roll off my mobility scooter (buggy) then crawl back on to it to get back up. Although this works well for me getting down and up it has been known for people to rush to my aid. I also have a pair of very high waders so I can get in and out of rivers and streams on my knees as I cannot bend down to get my shots otherwise. Photography is brilliant for those with disabilities or difficulties as it's a great leveller and when you look at the result you have no idea how abled or not the photographer is.

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Mark Harris...First off let me say BRAVO to you for not letting your health difficulties get in the way of what is obviously a great passion of yours. Secondly, photography is a great leveller keeping all on the same plane. And finally Mark, thanks for sharing your inspirational life with everyone.

[@garygalt4146]

Mark Harris well done sir after 30 years as a pro photographer. My immune system has attacked my brain and I lost my sight initially the illness went on to attack the signals to all my muscles so I have been bed bound for quite a long time and really miss my work. With medication I am now able to have some good days and I am looking forward with help to do some shooting for myself. I have just been ask to run a course for my towns disabled community. While I am able and reading your comment has encouraged me to try. Thank you sir for giving me some hope. I thank you

[@markharris5771]

Gary Galt As I reply I am again in bed with pleurisy, but you have made me feel grateful. Is there any chance you live in the North West of England? If so we will show the world what three disabled people can do together. My wife is paralysed down her right side following a stroke when she was 28, but she objects to me having a nap whilst I'm driving so she has to drive. If you do live anywhere near we will pick you up even if it only for an hour and between us we will compose the greatest image ever, simply because we took it. I want to write a blog about how I take the photos and get to the places I do, not from a "look at me" point of view but purely the logistics.

[@garygalt4146]

Hi Mark yes i live in St Helens and had a studio in Warrington for 25 years. I have just last week got my driving licence back. and will be going to Focus at the N.E.C in 10 days time with my colleague. but would love to meet up your words really motivated me. i just have to slowly build up my strength. my illness is myasthenia my immune system has attacked my brain which stops signals reaching your muscles and leaves you very weak. were about do you live my son lives in small village about 15 mins from Blackpool / preston so i am sure we can meet up and do some shooting and have a coffee and chat

[@markharris5771]

I live in Preston and would really love to meet up with you, I know most of the villages in the area you talk about. I am on annual leave in the last week of March going into April if we could arrange something then would be good. If not it's ok, we will do it another time when you feel fit enough. My email is [e-mail], even if we only get one shot it will be one more than none. There will be no pressure and we can take it as it comes. My wife will probably have to chauffeur me but I'm genuinely looking forward to it. As an ex pro you will probably go home battered by questions.

[@theversestudio1982]

Nice tutorials. DO I need to get a VR,VC,OS lenses?

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Hi and thanks for the comment. What you need for this is preferably a lens that has a focal length of at least 100mm. I was shooting between 150mm and 200mm. It really helps to get close to something in the foreground and focus on something further away rendering the nearest object blurry. That is really all there is to it and you do not need any kind of special lenses or anything else. Have a super photography day.

[@theversestudio1982]

Thank you Sir. I'm so glad with your reply. I'm a newbie of Flower Photography. I got 105mm 2.8D now. I want to learn about the sharpness and the bokeh. Is it necessary to use flash? I shoot Water Lily, most of the time.

[@VisualArtPhotography]

I don't generally use flash outdoors but it can be very effective especially in harsh light...bright sunshine. If you do use flash on a sunny day it's probably best to dial it down a little by setting your flash exposure compensation to around minus 1.5 to 2.0 stops. This way the flash will act as fill light and won't overpower your image. Hope this helps.

[@deadwood1887]

Ray, can you give me the link to the folding chair you demonstrated in this video? Just what I need. Thanks!

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Hi Jerry. The folding chair I use is very old and probably discontinued but there are a ton of different models out there. Your best bet is to find one on Amazon that suits your needs. You may also find one at a store that stocks camping and outdoor gear. It can make a big difference in your photography enjoyment. Good luck and I hope that helps.

[@deadwood1887]

Thanks Ray. I did find this on Amazon. I liked the fact it can hold up to 400 pounds! I'll probably order it. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LXDEEW8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AVYX6WLZPI055&psc=1 Jerry

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Looks good to me Jerry. Nice and sturdy and will add some flexibility to your photography. Have fun!

[@deadwood1887]

Looking forward to your future videos.

[@pilotforhire9657]

what camera kind do you recommend? dsr or Point and shoot?

[@VisualArtPhotography]

It all depends on what kind of photography you are doing and what your level of interest is. Point and shoot cameras have really come a long way in the last few years. They are good quality and create very sharp pictures. If you want maximum flexibility and image resolution however, it's really hard to beat a DSLR. Hope that gets you started.

[@yujinlandscapephotography.7787]

Great tips, sir. I need more subscribers. Thank you, for your sharing.

[@VisualArtPhotography]

Thank you and it’s wonderful to see you are working your way through all the tutorials on the channel. Have a great day and thanks for watching.

[@jacko_bandit729]

Ali a