Macro Flower Photography Tips

We tend to associate exploration with long distances, sometimes extending into the far reaches of uncharted space. However, we can also explore entirely new worlds at very close range through the macro lens of photography. One popular route to take while exploring macro photography involves photographing flowers, which most of us can find at a nearby park, in the backyard, or even in the house. Talk about convenient! What’s more, macro flower photography yields some of the most beautiful and inspirational stills out there.

Flowers provide a unique range of colors, tone, texture, and other attributes that make them perfect subjects. In fact, it is in the details of these attributes that we find ourselves inspired. To prove it, we’ve curated a collection of inspirational macro flower photos that we’d like to share with you. For those interested in taking a more hands-on approach, we’ve also put together a list of tips and the gear you’ll need to practice macro flower photography.  Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

• Macro Flower Photography Gear
• Tips for Optimal Macro Flower Photography
• Macro Flower Picture Inspiration

The Gear You’ll Need for Macro Flower Photography

While you can’t overstate the importance of education when it comes to exploring new territory, there’s also something to be said about the gear you use on your journey, especially when it comes to macro photography. A number of point-and-shoot cameras offer a macro “mode,” which can get the job done, but I’d like to encourage you to explore other modes (such as aperture priority or manual mode) as they’ll give you more creative control along the way. This might require an upgrade in gear, but use what you have available until you’re ready to take the next step.

Camera (DSLR or Mirrorless) for Macro Flower Photos

Most DSLR or newer mirrorless cameras offer more creative control in terms of exposure, stability, file type, and more. Here are a few great, hi-res options from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm.

Macro Lens Choice for Flowers

First, know that you can capture macro-style photos without a macro lens, using distance or other techniques. For example, you might photograph a flower from a close distance with a longer distance between the flower and the background in order to achieve a shallower depth of field; however, a dedicated macro lens or extension tube will simplify the process and offer more creative options. The focal length of macro lenses varies, but the wider the angle, the closer you’ll have to get to the flower. 100mm (or its equivalent if you’re using a crop sensor camera) is a good go-to focal length. Consider some of these lens options that we’ve reviewed at SLR Lounge:

• Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS Lens
• Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
• Sigma 70mm f2.8 DG Macro ART Lens
• Fuji Fujinon XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro Lens

Tripod

A tripod is handy but not absolutely necessary. A tripod will give you the ability to capture sharp images at lower shutter speeds. However, if your scene has plenty of light, then you may not need one.

When shooting close up, motion becomes more exaggerated. Even with image stabilization in the camera and lens, you still risk camera shake, and the last thing you want to do is spend any significant amount of time setting up a shot only to have it come out blurry and destined for the digital trash bin. You can help eliminate (or at least minimize) camera shake by placing your camera on a quality, sturdy tripod.

Lighting

Natural light can work, but a ring light or off-camera flash will come in handy when ambient lighting is less than desirable. You will need to modify the lighting.

Spray Bottle

The unsung hero of macro photography, spray bottles work well for adding a touch of mist to flowers for additional texture.  Combined with angled light, the water droplets created from the spray bottle add texture and interest to a macro flower image.

Tips for Shooting Macro Flower Photography

Focus on Composition

Whether you’re photographing buildings, people, or flowers, you should begin setting up your shot with an emphasis on composition.

For macro flower photography, consider compositional theories like the rule of thirds, depth of field, balance, symmetry, leading lines and other compositional tools to help you create a visually compelling composition.

Ensure You Have a Focal Point

Focus is always important, but it’s especially important in this genre. Use manual or autofocus to pinpoint the exact area of the flower you want to highlight. If the depth of field is too shallow, for example, make adjustments (via stopping down the aperture or by increasing your distance from the flower) until you can see in detail the areas of the flower you want in focus.

Find Unique Angles & Perspectives

Storytelling is key in photography, even when photographing flowers. Capture wide, medium, and tight angles so that you can put together cohesive sequences (perhaps in a blog, social media post, or album). Shoot each of these angles from a different perspective (top-down over the flower, side angle, or underneath the flower, looking up toward the sky) to add visual interest.

Shoot at the Ideal Times

Early morning or late afternoon (perhaps golden hour) sessions work best for getting softer, more pleasant light. Try to avoid the harsh, midday sunshine, if possible; otherwise, look for shade or use a reflector or scrim to diffuse and soften the light falling onto the flower(s). If using natural light, position yourself so that the natural light creates subtle directional light when it falls across the flower. Otherwise, position your flashes (and your camera) in a way that allows you to create directional light.

Use the Right Camera Settings

• Use Depth of Field with Intention – It’s really quite simple. Opt for a shallow depth of field (f/1.2-f/4) if you want to focus on key elements and blur out the rest of the flower’s surface; otherwise, dial your aperture in to f/11 and up to capture a broader range of detail in the image.
• Use a High Shutter Speed – Unless you’re indoors with absolutely no breeze, there’s a good chance the flowers you are photographing are going to blow in the wind and/or move a bit. Along with a tripod, you can dial in your shutter speed to a faster setting (1/200 or faster) to help freeze the action and eliminate camera shake.
• Use a Low ISOs – To maximize image quality, photograph your macro flower photography at low ISOs. Some cameras have better low light performance than others, but in general, try to keep your ISOs at 800 and below.

Mind Your Backdrops

Unlike other genres of photography, macro photography makes it very easy to control the background, especially for those super tight closeup shots. The focus typically falls on the shallower side while backgrounds blur into oblivion.  According to Photography-raw.com, “In a macro image, especially concerning an insect, unless you go for stacking, there will be large unfocused parts.”

Please note, however, that you should still be mindful of any distracting elements in the background and opt for a clean backdrop. You can even use a piece of paper or some other surface of your choosing to create a unique backdrop.

Shoot in RAW

Shoot in RAW (rather than jpeg) to allow for more dynamic edits. For more information about the benefits of shooting in RAW, see our article on RAW vs JPEG.

Macro Flower Photography Inspiration

Without further ado, let’s jump into a collection of inspirational macro flower photography portraits, featuring talented and award-winning artists from around the world.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this collection of inspirational macro flower photography portraits. The list is not exhaustive, of course, but hopefully serves as a starting point to encourage you to further explore this unique genre of photography.