With spring just around the corner, we're all eager to get outdoors with our cameras. If we haven't been photographing much over the winter, we may be a bit rusty and need some inspiration to get our creative juices flowing again.
From composition techniques to creative approaches, here are some fun ideas to help you capture spring's beauty in fresh new ways.
1. Look for Patterns & Repetition
Spring is full of patterns - rows of tulips, lines of tree trunks, or interesting shadows from a nearby building. Train your eye to spot these patterns and once you do, play with the angles - get low, get up high, move to one side and then the other to show the pattern at its best. This simple exercise helps you see differently and create unique images.
Quick Tip: Try different angles - get down low, climb up high, or move to the side to show patterns in the best light. Early morning or late afternoon sun can really bring out textures in these shots.
2. Play with Opposite Colors
Framing opposites on the color wheel draws interest from the viewer and can make a powerful image. Frame a red flower against a green field, get low under the yellow forsythias and frame them against the blue sky, or position yourself to capture spring's new green leaf growth against a background of pink redbuds.
Two colors work best... sometimes three. A jumble of colors can be fun as well but won't make the same statement as a simple composition with just two opposite colors.
Quick Tip: Use a wide aperture (small f-number) to make colorful subjects stand out against a softer background.
3. Control Your Focus Points
Take control of where you focus to guide the viewer's eye:
- Focus on a subject at the front of the scene and blur the middle and back.
- Then focus in the middle, blurring the front and back.
- Finally, try focusing in the back, making the front and middle blurred.
The best way to make this work is to use a wide aperture such as f/2.8, 3.5 or 4 and also get close to your nearest subject. If you can't get close with your feet, use a telephoto lens. All these things will increase the amount and softness of the blurring.
Quick Tip: To move your focus points, check your camera manual under "Focus Area." By default, most cameras choose where to focus, but you can change it so YOU choose where. It might be listed as AF-S, Single Point, or Flexible Spot M. It could also be a touch screen option allowing you to tap where you want to focus - each camera is different.
4. Get Close and Fill the Frame
Don't be shy - move in closer to your subject and fill the frame. Frame spring's tiny details - a dewdrop, the veins of a new leaf or a portion of a colorful field of flowers - fill your entire frame and show off spring's beauty.
Quick Tip: If your camera won't focus very close, try using a macro lens or clip-on phone macro attachment.
5. Try Intentional Camera Movement
Use a longer exposure and move the camera while shooting. This gives you a very creative and abstract looking image. Try these approaches:
Set a slower shutter speed (1/15 to 1 second)- Move your camera up and down when shooting flower fields or trees
- Try circular movements for blooming trees or garden scenes
- Experiment zooming in or out slightly during the shot for a cool effect
These techniques turn ordinary spring scenes into dreamy images that capture the feeling of the season.
6. Experiment with Flash
Using flash as 'fill', we can light up blossoms that are in shade. The trick is to gently fill with flash - if using the pop-up flash, try backing up if it's too bright. With an external flash unit, adjust the power or use Flash Compensation and dial it up or down as needed.
Try these approaches:
- Use flash at reduced power (-1 to -2 stops) to gently illuminate shaded subjects
- Position your flash off to the side for more depth and dimension
- Use a small diffuser for softer light
- Consider using a small reflector instead of flash for a more natural look
7. Use Empty Space Effectively
Try making simple spring photos where most of the frame is empty, highlighting just one subject. A single tulip against a plain background or one budding branch against the sky can create powerful images that really stand out and showcase spring’s promise of renewal.
8. Make the Most of Early Morning Light
There's something magical about photographing spring in the early morning hours. Set your alarm a bit earlier and you'll be rewarded with the ideal conditions that disappear as the day progresses:
- The soft, golden light creates a warm glow that makes colors pop without harsh shadows
- Morning dew adds sparkle to flower petals and also reveals spider webs
- The stillness of early morning also means less wind -perfect for capturing delicate flowers and leaves without blur.
- You might find magical light rays coming thru leaves or petals
- Most birds and wildlife are more active in the morning and may add a nice element in your frame.
- Locations are usually less crowded
Quick Tip: Prep your gear the night before and check sunrise times. Arrive at least 20 minutes before sunrise to catch the beautiful pre-dawn color palette of blues, pinks and purples.
9. Document Spring’s Changes
Take photos of the same location throughout the spring season. This approach not only gives you beautiful individual images but also tells the complete story of the season's transformation when viewed as a collection.
10. Setting Simple Goals
It’s hard to hold back our excitement to capture spring but take a minute and instead of just taking random spring photos, try having a plan or giving yourself assignments:
- Pick one subject (like a certain flower) and shoot it in five different ways
- Challenge yourself to only photograph opposite colors for a day
- Photograph the same location at different times of day
- Follow one plant from first bud to full bloom
Quick Tip: Share these goals with friends or online to keep yourself accountable and on target.
Get creative with these ideas and come up with a few of your own to add to the list. Remember that while technique is important, the best photos come when you connect with what you're shooting.
Follow what catches your eye and makes you smile and have fun as you head out for some spring photography!