Colours of Nature

“I generally prefer to keep my technique simple and also use the very basic resources to infuse creativity into my frames. However, the main elements that I would like to ideally play around with are natural light, the angle and framing, while go-ing about photographing any subject that interests me.

In the case of photo-graphing flowers, the one thing that overrides all other considerations is the fact that the images should look artistic, and not in any way look like any pages out of the botany encyclo-pedia. In addition, when flowers form the core focus, you simply have no other choice but to use natural light. However, the challenge with natural light is that you have no control over its intensity or direction, and you have to generally compose with the light is available. I have shot flowers under all kinds of lighting con-ditions and have used the available light to aid my creativity. Right from the soft light on a cloudy day, to hard sunlight or the rays of a setting sun, they all have a role to play in the final outcome”, emphasises the Delhi based photographer, Madhurima Sil.

Flowers are one of nature’s most beautiful creation and you can create varied abstracts from the close-ups of the patterns on petals or by simply clicking from an unusually high or a low angle. By including bokeh patterns or by adding back lit highlights one can further bring uniqueness to their style of photography. A photographer should never hesitate to break the rules of exposure if it helps in creating a strong impact. The best example of an over exposed shot turning out right is indicated in the image given be-low. Although the image has a bright morning mood to it, the picture was actually clicked at around 4 pm.

She reveals, “I picked up photography about 5 years ago and am a self-taught photographer equipped with a degrees in Mass Communication and Business Administration. My favourite genres are nature, wildlife, street and fine art photography. The lenses that complement my Nikon D5000 are the 18-55mm, 70-200mm f2.8 VRII, 50mm f1.8, 18-270mm and 150-500mm. Most of the featured images are shot using the Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro, Tamron 18-270 mm and the Nikon 50mm f1.8 lenses.”
Mathew Thottungal

Her Favourite Photograph
This image is not exactly of a flower, but of a flower like cactus I found at a plant nursery in Ooty. I was attracted to the beautiful progressive pattern of this plant. While composing the picture I intentionally cropped out half of the plant from the frame to highlight the outward progression of the petals and also add a kaleidoscopic feel to the image. Also, the depth of field is controlled to keep the pattern identifiable even in OOF areas. The equipment I used for this shot were Nikon D5000 and Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro. EXIF – 1/200s, f/4.0, ISO 640.

Purple Haze