Spring is a very popular subject matter for nature and landscape photographers. And that’s because a lot is happening in the spring months: vegetation comes back, colorful flowers are everywhere, streams and waterfalls inspire us, and mountains still have snowy peaks. Spring is a symphony of colors, textures, and shapes. It’s also very dynamic and changes the scenery from one day to another. Therefore, you need to be prepared and ready to take your camera out for a spring photography session. Here are some ideas to get you starting.
Photograph wildflowers
Don’t settle for flowers in the garden or nearby park. Try hiking or trekking and look for wildflowers. They are more difficult to find and therefore less photographed. Furthermore, they grow in an outstanding landscape that doesn’t need to be blurred. Embrace their wild spirit and their freedom and use unusual angles. However, don’t harm them in order to get the perfect photo. Wildflowers are extremely fragile and many of them are endangered species.
Try macro photography
A great way to capture the dynamics of spring is to photograph the smallest details. Get close to your subject and try macro photography. You can photograph the last snowflake, droplets, dew, buds, insects, or small flowers reaching for the sun. You can get really close to people and photograph their happiness. You don’t have to frame the entire subject. You can capture parts of it and create more interesting compositions.
Image by Paul C Lee from Pixabay
Use patterns
If you want to get to know a season, observe its patterns and shapes. It may be dry grass, leaves, or newly plowed fields. It may the petals, clouds, or trees. It doesn’t matter what subject you choose as long as you fill the frame with a repetition of elements. Look for items that represent spring such as freshly painted fences, herbs, farmers markets, festivals, and so on. Remember: connect with your subject matter and engage in a dialog before pressing the shutter release button. Spring is about new beginnings and connections.
Use color contrast
For landscape photographers, finding a splash of green or pink in a still brown scenery is the first sign of spring. Color contrast is very powerful. It captures the viewer’s attention and makes a strong focal point. It creates a powerful metaphor and helps to convey a message. It also balances the composition and gives it weight. So don’t miss any of those pinks, purples, yellows, or blues that spring has to offer.
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh from Pexels
Spring photography is essentially about nature. It gives you plenty of ideas to work with and plenty of good subjects for great photos. However, spring can also be a cliché and you have to be more creative and courageous than other photographers. Engage with your subject of choice, explore unique angles and perspectives, and (probably the most important part) photograph things you care about.
Cover image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay