flower image : The Trick To Photographing Beautiful Flowers

There are flowers and there are flowers. Not all flowers are equal in a photography sense. Some can look like they are easy to photograph, and in reality can be a pain in the neck to try and get all the detail. Others are fantastic, they look fantastic, they are easy to photograph and the picture comes out how you want! And then there are the ones that surprise you. They look average and uninteresting but get in close and you are staring at the surface of another world. All the curves, lines, colour comes out when you take the picture.

Some flowers look better very close up because of their size and detail. Perhaps with a smaller flower, it may look uninteresting from an arms length away but get it up close and it may look magnificent (Small yellow daisies, Rock Rose.)

Other flowers such as the rose really look good from any distance, mainly because they are beautiful and because we know what flower they are. But just because we already know what it is doesn’t mean we need to cut corners with our photographic artistic skills.

Flowers are a matter of personal taste. So which one do we start with? Your favourite one is the best place to start. A beautiful as a big garden rose in bloom with the fragrance that should be bottled and sold, for example, will not only inspire you but you’ll want to spend time getting a great photo of it. Each flower, depending on size and colour, will need to be photographed differently. I would photograph a Rose differently than I would a Jasmine flower, or an Impatien.

Then I would also photograph that Rose differently at 3 o’clock than I would at 10 o’clock. I would also photograph the Rose vastly differently in the Summer time to the Winter time and again vastly differently outside to inside. I would also photograph it differently depending on how close or how far I could get to it. And depending on the type of flower I’d even ditch the colour medium and do some black and white or sepia mediums with it.

What’s that I hear you say? Flowers can’t look good in anything other than colour? Oh that simply isn’t true! Wait till you take some black and white shots with flowers and you’ll be amazed at just how well they come out.

As I mentioned there are 5 things you must do in order to get your shots of flowers looking spectacular. There have been a lot of photographs I’ve seen of flowers but not with the intense colour, details, patterns or delicacy that exists in real life. These things will eliminate that for you, forever.

Flower photography is a great photographic pleasure. One secret is to always shoot a simple, uncomplicated look first. It’s much better to aim for ‘simple’ rather than cram a lot into your flower pictures. If you look at professional photos of flowers you will notice that the best ones are always the most simple. Best images are always simple and to the point.

The worst flower pictures I’ve seen are those with too much in the photograph. A nice bunch of flowers can be ruined by too much to look at, or not being sure what to look at. Such as a bunch of flowers and your eye doesn’t focus on any one thing. You eye in act is left trying to work out what the photographer wanted you to focus on. Such a crowded picture can be quite distracting.

So if you want ‘wow’ shots, then use less in the shot, and go for a composition that focuses on simple shapes, lines and forms. If you are doing colour pictures of flowers, then look for the colour that stands out the most and ask yourself how you can enhance it with the tools you have on you right now. A really good flower picture gives you the same type of view as if you were actually really there, and giving you the same feelings. Decide on your composition: visually frame your composition first.

To work out what your composition is going to be, look to the left of the scene then look to the right. If you had to capture it, where would the sides of the picture be? If you are not sure how to find the ‘edge’ of the photo, you can mount your digital on your tripod and start at one point and take the picture. Move it a little to the right and take the picture again, and keep going until you come back to where you started. Using a tripod keeps the camera level and you are taking in everything. You’ll find a good shot out of this.

Your lens is most important for making flower photography look impressive. Have you ever taken a picture of a beautiful Rose that looks like it has not detail or true depth and it turns out flat and uninspiring? That’s because you may not have the lens. Choosing the right lens is extremely important. If you’re not sure what lens to get for flower photography- which are always medium to close up shots-, or what works best and you’re most comfortable with, try a few different focal lengths.

By Amy Renfrey

flower image : Garden Photography

As the seasons change the colour of your garden will change with it. Most gardens are a rich source of great colours, patterns and vivid textures and can make for a perfect setting to practice all different kinds of photography - especially close-up nature photography.

Your garden can be one of the most wonderful places to take images of flowers, insects and a variety of small birds - and if you are lucky, occasionally other types of wildlife might wander into your garden.

You don’t need great sunshine to go out into the garden - overcast days are always great days to get into the garden and capture the majestic colours of flowers.

Flower photography can be challenging, but when done right is most rewarding. The key to getting good flower pictures is pretty straightforward - get in close. You don’t need to buy a macro lens to achieve this, a good telephoto lens on a tripod should do.

Use a large aperture (low f/number) to isolate your flower. This will get rid of any unwanted background, which sometimes focus attention away from your flower portrait.

Don’t be afraid to use your flash - even on a bright day. This will get rid of any unwanted blur and help make your flower picture sharp.

These are simple tips to follow and should help to make your garden images better.

Photographing insects in many ways is similar to taking pictures of flowers. You need to get in close; your focusing has to be perfect and you also must minimize motion. If you are having trouble photographing insects try the following.

Pick a single flower on which you focus. Place a light fabric around any other flowers to isolate your shot. Now its time to place the bait - perfume is ideal to attract bees, butterflies and other insects into your outdoor studio. Use your strobe unit to freeze any motion with fast moving insects. This should be used in the brightest conditions and will stop any movement in your nature portrait. Now it is time to sit and wait until your bait attracts your prey.

Your garden is also full of all kinds of other creatures. Garden birds will make an attractive image; they will be up and out at an early hour so it’s best to join them. Try building a hide in the garden and get up before sunrise - you will be surprised what creatures will wander in front of you at an early hour. Lay some bait around the garden to attract them in.

Use the elements of the weather to create more impact in your garden images. Early morning mist will leave droplets of water on leaves and flower petals. Use garden statues and other garden objects to create attractive silhouette images at dusk.

One of the biggest attributes of nature, wildlife and garden photography is patience. Even though you are at home great patience is required to get the best results from your garden photography…happy shooting.

By TJ Tierney

flower image : Flower Pictures

Flowers are the source of our photographers inspiration, please browse gently through our flower pictures...enjoy, savour, floral pics which are sometimes soft, subtle and flower pictures which are sometimes energetic and vibrant, but at all times gorgeous. Our pictures are nature's beauty at its best. A great floral balm for the soul! Daisies, poppies, lilies, orchids, wild flowers and "maybe roses" are all included...

Pictures of flowers are available on art canvas and on beautiful art paper. Our art canvas flower pictures are shipped in rugged silver tubes and our art paper flower pics carefully wrapped in acid free tissue paper and shipped in our elegant silver picture presentation boxes.

©Copyright 2005-2006

flower image : Andy Small Photography

Andy Small is a professional Fine Art photographer who specialises in photographs of flowers. He exhibits regularly in the UK. He photographs contemporary colourful, artistic, graphic images of flowers, botanical and nature subjects all of which for sale and available as wall art prints on canvas, framed photographs, greetings cards and the Plant Portraits calendar. The flowers are depicted close up and have unusual striking colour combinations and thought provoking compositions.

The pictures in the galleries have been categorised under their main colour bias which is not necessarily the colour of the flower. All images are for sale and are available to buy as Limited Edition Giclee photographs and photographic prints on canvas. There is also a stunning range of blank photographic floral and nature greetings cards and the Plant Portraits calendar.

The current range of Photographic Floral Greetings Cards consists of 115 different designs in 3 different formats.

by Andy Small

flower image : Flower Care 101

Many words can be left unsaid when you have a flower to say it all. Among the most remarkable beauties created by God is the creation of splendid and aromatic flowers. Flowers bloom in innumerous varieties, seasons and at many different places. They are symbolic of love, care and devotion. Flowers are found everywhere on earth and even beneath the deep sea there is existence of flowers. All the countries in all seasons have many species of flower blooming on their land. Flowers are the best way to express emotions they can convey the softest thoughts with utmost ease.

When sending flowers great care needs to be exercised in selecting them. Considering the occasion for sending flowers and the person for whom flowers have been picked up help in deciding the color and size of the bouquet. Bouquets come in varying sizes and prices. Flowers can be arranged in a bunch or on any flat tray or it may be a basket full of flowers. Whatever be the way of presentation flowers are always lovely to give and receive. Some rare species of flowers can be expensive and the state of flowers presented effect the pricing of flowers. Fresh flowers are always more in demand than a day old ones. Most of the florists advertise by promising that they deliver fresh flower bouquets on the same day. Some flowers have a long life and remain fresh for a longer time even after being cut off from the plant. While others have a shorter life span of remaining fresh. Certain rules hold good for most variety of flowers for retaining them in a fresh state. Cutting flowers with a bit long stem and a slant whip and keeping the stem emerged in water promote the fresh look for hours. Most florists promise to deliver of fresh and unique flowers but only some of them expertise in this trade. Keeping flowers fresh for long and selecting the right species and color to suit the occasion perfectly needs a professional expertise. Some of the most experienced ones can actually do the job satisfactorily. Yet at most times a perfect bunch of flower can always be obtained by some endeavor to match the occasion and pocket.

When planting flowers for commercial or decorative uses many aspects of gardening needs to be considered. The season and the soil along with the reasons for planting flowers play and important role in deciding the species that is to be reared. Using appropriate manure and even pesticides to protect flowers from being destroyed is important. Recently development and immense research work in botany has taken flower planting to great heights. Exact species and color of flowers are planted accordingly to suit the coming occasion.

Not only the color but also the aroma of flowers is highly cherished by flower enthusiasts. Among the numerous available colors of flowers there are some specific colors that signify certain emotions and thoughts. Since long a red rose has been a token for love and yellow signifies friendship. Fragrance of flowers is also a contributing factor for the popularity of flowers. Not only as gifts presence of flowers also make a personal space more welcoming and creates a pleasurable ambience to cherish.

by Mansi aggarwal

flower image : Sending Flowers

There are many reasons to send flowers to someone. Sympathy, apologizing to someone, showing someone you love them or are interested in them and celebrating various holidays are just a few of the reasons to send flowers. Regardless of why you are sending flowers, for most occasions flowers are very appropriate. If you are sending flowers to a special someone, they will be the object of envy since you were thoughtful enough to think of them.

It is easier than ever today to send flowers for any occasion. There are a multitude of online sites dedicated to sending flowers, candy and small gifts for whatever reason you have in mind. There are of course, still the traditional ways of sending flowers. Actually driving to a florist, picking out what you want to send and then paying for it is a fairly simple process. One advantage to actually going to a florist is that you can have the florist help you choose something and you may even be able to see an example of whatever arrangement you choose to send. With online florists, the pictures all look remarkable, but since these orders are usually sent to local florists in the area where you want the flowers delivered, you do not know exactly what will be delivered to the recipient. Whether you order them at a florist or online there are usually delivery charges for every order in addition to the price you pay for the arrangement.

Probably the most popular day to send flowers is Valentine's Day. This is a good fallback position to take for men. If you are not sure of what to get a woman for her birthday or Valentine's Day, flowers are a good choice anytime. Women usually love flowers and the typical flower sent for Valentine's Day is the rose. Roses are a good flower to send if you are unsure of what type to send, mostly because women usually will love roses. One of the only downsides to roses is the price; they are usually fairly expensive. Carnations are also a good flower to choose and usually much cheaper than roses. Carnations, like roses, come in many colors. With carnations, sometimes you will see flowers with colors on the tips of the petals. This is achieved by putting the stem of the flower into water colored with food dye. The flower sucks the water up through the stem and the result is uniquely colored petals. Carnations also last a lot longer than most other flowers. If you keep them in water they will last a couple of weeks, where roses usually start wilting and dying by the end of the week. In addition to flowers, most florists can send balloons, chocolates, stuffed animals and even small gifts such as jewelry along with the arrangement.

Most women appreciate flowers. To remember a specific meaningful date with flowers makes your loved ones appreciate you even more. So, whether you purchase flowers online or from a local florist, whether you choose roses or carnations, go ahead and send flowers for just about any occasion. There are not many occasions that flowers are not suitable for.

by Michael Russell

flower image : Variations And Fabrics Used For A Hawaiian Shirt

There are several variations and fabrics used in a Hawaiian shirt. This article will discuss the popular Hawaiian shirts of different kinds.

Variations… Hawaiian shirt designs vary and could be distinguished depending on the print. It can be identified with the pattern running across the shirt. Here are the popular designs used for Hawaiian shirt.

Basic all-over print – This is probably the most common among all Hawaiian shirts. It is characterized by repeating prints that appear throughout the fabric. The print does not have to be symmetrical although common basic all-over print Hawaiian shirt does have uniform pattern. Among all Hawaiian shirts, this type can be worn either tucked in or free.

Scenic print – This might be the second most popular Hawaiian shirt design. Some people find the scenic print appealing for it characterizes the vacation experience. The scenic print is distinguish by repeating images, usually a scenery rather than the typical basic repeating images of a leaf or flower.

Border – This Hawaiian shirt is intended to be worn untucked for its design going across the shirt. Unlike the basic all-over and scenic print, the border (bottom) Hawaiian shirts have large and full images that run at the bottom of the shirt.

Matched print – This design has the identity if continuous print that runs from one part of the shirt to the other. The design is almost the same with the border print with its large print the starting at the bottom up; the only difference is that the shirt receives seamless image from the left part to the right uninterrupted by the buttons. Since it is the character of the design, the matched print Hawaiian shirt is more difficult and requires a great skill to make.

Panel – This kind of design is identified with vertical panels. Like the basic all-over and scenic print, this type of Hawaiian shirt has repeating patterns, usually that of leaves, flowers or both.

Engineered – This type of Hawaiian shirt design depicts are greater image, usually repeats every 18 inches. It is like the matched print and border print with seamless design even if it crosses the buttons. This is the most expensive among all Hawaiian shirt designs because its high-quality fabric.

Matched pocket – Like the matched print, the matched pocket has a seamless design, this time at the pockets. Most Hawaiian shirts have matched pocket design.

Fabrics… Several fabrics are used to make Hawaiian shirts. Here are some:

Cotton – is the most common fabric used for most several types of clothes due to its nature. Cotton is easily washable with any type of detergent and can bear high temperatures without hurting the fiber.

Rayon – is a fabric that should be carefully washed. Some even would only withstand dry-cleaning. Extra care should be practiced to Hawaiian shirts with rayon fabric. Rayon is comfortable when worn.

Hemp - is another type of fabric used to make Hawaiian shirt. They are tough, tougher than the duration of 20 cotton shirts combined. To wash hemp, all that is needed is a good detergent.

Silk – is expensive type of fabric used for high-end Hawaiian shirts. It can be washed either by machine or by hand. Silk insulates body from outside temperature. Silk is warn during winter and cool during summer.

By Robert Thatcher

flower image : The Digital Photography Alternative


It can be hard work locating the perfect field of poppies in front of the perfect view of a Tuscan town. You think it might just be easier to slap in a field of poppies on your computer at home later. Well, these days it is a viable alternative, one much used in the professional photography world, but if you’re going to do it well, there is still a lot of work involved.

This time you are going to need to find two shots: one of the view of your chosen town in Tuscany, ideally with a nicely defined hill curving gently in the foreground, which will be filled with poppies digitally later; the other the poppy field itself in a similar light to your first picture and on a similarly contoured hill or field. A flat field of poppies stuck onto a hill shaped foreground is just going to look like a collage. So no escape from the driving around Tuscany searching for the perfect shot then.

Just as well that it is more of a joy than a punishment to potter along the winding roads between such jewels as Pienza and Montepulciano, San Quirico d’Orcia and Montalcino, you don’t even need the excuse of photography. Get a friend to drive so that you don’t end up in the ditch, craning to get a better view of Monte Amiata, my favourite mountain, or of the towers of Siena in the distance. A detailed map will help you explore the strada bianca (dirt roads), but they are not always completely accurate, so be prepared to head off into the unknown and turn back at a dead end – all part of the adventure. The magic of Tuscany is the unexpected view, a hidden crumbling brick farmhouse with cypress trees, a perfect field of poppies.

You’ve located your shots of your background town and your foreground poppies. Take a lot of permutations of the same shot: different depths of field, different points of focus, different angles, different light situations, and bracket, bracket, bracket your exposures. The beauty of digital is that you don't have film costs to worry about. Return to the same place at a different time of day to get a different angle of sunlight on your poppies. You need a large choice of shots to play with when you get home to your computer. Once home you can’t re-shoot, you have to work with the material you’ve already collected.

Now, after downloading the images, backing them up on DVD or an external hard drive, you have hours of fun ahead of you, selecting the images to work with and then juxtaposing them perfectly and seamlessly to create the ultimate illusion, that looks effortless. Only you have the satisfaction of knowing how much work went into creating the perfect photograph of Poppies in Tuscany.
flower image

by Kit Heathcock

flower image : How to Make Your Own Wallpaper

Gone are the days of limited mobile phone customisation, when all the possible modifications come with the cellular phone package as it is bought, or have to be bought separately at the store. Aside from the many stylish accessories out in the market, such as cellular phone covers, casings, and straps, you can also make use of ring tones, screensavers, and wallpapers to personalise your phone’s interface. Due to the increased connectivity and additional functions of newer models, it is quite easy to make your cellular phone screen appear just the way you like it.

Nowadays, your cell phone wallpaper can match your every mood. To personalise the look of your phone screen, the wallpaper in particular, you can choose between the files already provided in your cellular phone, and the many phone wallpaper size photos found on different Internet sites. One such site is www.ringtones.lt, where you can find wallpapers of popularanimation characters, celebrities, sports cars, athletes, movie stills, and more. Of course, you can also make your own, and it should not cost a lot. After all, it’s the best way to guarantee that your mobile looks as different as can be.

Ready to make your own customised wallpaper? Here’s how:

If your cellular phone is equipped with a camera, the pictures taken with it are often ready to use as wallpapers. Therefore, the most up-to-date wallpaper is merely a click away. Take pictures with it—lots of pictures! Not only will it provide you with a wide selection of wallpaper images, the practice will also help develop an artistic flair in you. This way, you will be able to take better pictures and find better subjects to take pictures of, whether or not you have had training in photography. You can also make sure of it by finding simple photography tips from online sites and forums, and applying a certain style that you find interesting.

You can keep the photo wallpapers interesting by using the pictures you took during rare trips or a vacation in a faraway land. Some exciting subjects are festivals, odd-looking animals, extreme games stunts, and maybe your first hot-air balloon ride. On the other hand, you need not look farther than your very own backyard to be able to take worthy photos. Some examples are pets, the sunrise or sunset as it is seen through your window, portraits of your loved ones, a flower blooming in your garden, and your favorite food served on a decorative plate. Meanwhile, for the most unique wallpaper, you can just go ahead and take pictures of yourself.

For those who are more skilled in design and the use of design software, you may also try drawing your own wallpaper using your computer. Be sure to check the image size and type of file that is compatible with your unit. You can then upload it to your mobile phone using Blue Tooth or a USB connection.

While your phone screen is quite small, remember that there are no limits to the modifications you can do. All you need to do is imagine, then create the picture.

Ringtones.lt is a site specialising in the different genres of ringtones, cell phone wallpapers and cell phone screensavers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Nicosia

flower image : Birthday E Cards

As part of the convenience brought by the internet is the ability to send out electronic cards or e-cards. As long as you have an internet connection, an e-card allows you to send out greetings in the comfort of your own home, anytime, anywhere. You can find internet sites that offer services for free, or those that simply ask for donations to keep the website operational, or actual greeting card sites that require you to become a member before you can download a card.

Delivery

E-cards utilize the e-mail technology to deliver the card. Most of the services send the card immediately after you press the send button on the page, but there are selected providers that allow you to select the date of delivery. There are some sites that send the actual card directly to the recipient in the form of an e-mail, but usually what is sent is just a link pointing to the actual location of the e-card. The link usually points back to the provider. Once the card is viewed by the intended receiver, a notification is sent back to the sender.

Types of E-Cards

The basic type of e-card is a static image. The image usually includes depiction of a gift, a party celebration, banners, a birthday cake, birthday candle, party hats, wine glasses, flower image or anything that is related to birthdays. You have the option to include your own message or send it as is, just including the information for the sender and the receiver. If you include a customized message, depending on the e-card and the provider, the message can be written on top of the image on the predefined space, or it would be placed outside of the image.

Another type of e-card which is growing in popularity is the animated card. This type of card would have the same set of contents as static images, but areas of the image are moving and there can also be inclusions of sounds and background music. The message is usually embedded in the card and cannot be customized. If there are additional messages aside from the preset one, it would be placed outside of the animation.

Disadvantage

The only disadvantage of sending an e-card is that there is no way to save the card. Although providers do not immediately delete the card right after it is viewed, but the cards are kept only for a limited period of time, so eventually the recipient can no longer go back and appreciate these cards.

By Marcus Peterson