How can you know the beauty of spring without visiting a garden? It turns out that the colors of spring are everywhere, just like the broken wells and ruined walls. How can one enjoy the beautiful scenery and joyful moments without a courtyard of their own?
Countless Colors of Spring#
At first, I thought that in the desolate mountains of northwest, there would be no spring breeze until the beginning of summer, when flowers would bloom. In the past, I missed three springs due to various reasons. But unexpectedly, during the last year of university, I found myself strolling among the blossoms during the Grain Rain season. The flowers were in full bloom, vibrant and radiant, displaying various shades of purple and red. The beauty of spring overwhelmed me with joy. It was a worthwhile experience!
Depth of Field and Background#
Today, while photographing flowers, I deliberately practiced the depth of field techniques I learned on Wednesday. From a practical perspective, I want to emphasize the effective use of depth of field.
The purer the background and the better the color coordination, the better the resulting photo.
Below are three photos of flowers taken from different angles on the same tree, let's call them: Pink A, Pink B, and Pink C.
At first glance, all three photos have achieved the desired depth of field. However, the background colors in Pink A are somewhat chaotic, with four different colors: blue, dark blue, red, and black. It does not meet the three-color principle, and the arrangement of the blue glass curtain wall in the center of the frame is not reasonable. If it were in the center position, it might have been a better shot.
Looking at Pink B: the colors and composition are good, and the background colors are relatively few. However, the backlit edge of the building on the right side makes it too bright, which looks uncoordinated. After some post-processing, it can still be salvaged.
Pink C, using the most commonly used center composition, the contrast between the pink and white flowers and the dark cement wall is pleasing to the eye.
Later, I climbed to the top of the hill and took a few more photos. This time, the background was much better, with red flowers and green leaves perfectly complementing each other:
Framing Composition#
Framing composition is extremely useful when trying to find the right shooting angle. Specifically, it involves placing the subject within an existing frame to enhance its presence. However, it is not easy to master. The few attempts I made today did not turn out well:
General Flower Photography Tips#
In April, trees are blooming with flowers, and although it is beautiful, capturing the beauty of a single tree is not easy. To take good photos of flowers, it is actually very simple: "In a sea of flowers, only pick one."
Focus on a single flower, find a suitable composition, an appropriate background, and click! It's as simple as that:
Of course, if the composition is suitable, it is also possible to capture two flowers at the same time.
The Warm Spring River 🦆 Knows First#
As soon as I entered Shuimo Gou Park, I noticed a group of ducks swimming in the small river. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a pair of adult ducks leading a group of ducklings. The ducklings were restless, swimming here and there. When they couldn't see their parents for a moment, they would chirp and search anxiously. They were incredibly adorable. Placing the adult ducks in the center of the frame was the most appropriate composition:
There were also ducks that were carefree and left the group, lying flat on a stone in the shallow water, contemplating and sleeping.
This duck was so relaxed that it couldn't move, closing and opening its eyes. It didn't even react when it saw people. I took dozens of photos of it. In the end, I couldn't stand its lazy appearance, so I approached and stomped my feet in front of it, startling the paralyzed duck. It flapped its wings in a panic and flew away. This scene can be considered a "natural" moment.
In the morning, I walked around and passed by the shallow water again. Surprisingly, the duck flew back to the same spot, standing steadily on the stone, still wearing the same nonchalant expression, but with its neck even shorter.