About the Wajdas

Photographing Herbs | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Background and Natural Elements

Background

I have occasionally found myself dissatisfied with the composition of my picture because of "clutter" in the background. Perhaps it is the corner of the greenhouse, the edge of the bench, or another plant, but ultimately it detracts from my desired outcome. I have found several quick, inexpensive, and unobtrusive ways of resolving this dilemma. Of these, the easiest is to simply move the plant, if possible, to a less cluttered location. Most often, though, I position a piece of colored poster board behind the subject to block out other plants or features. This technique works well provided the image is relatively close up. This method would not be appropriate for medium-to-wide range compositions. I experiment with the color of the board and have found white to be too stark, but like the effects of black, dark blue, or dark green. Essentially, the board should set off or enhance the colors of the blossoms or foliage, not incorporate them. Application of the complimentary color concept works well here.

Natural Elements

More than once I have been stymied by a gentle breeze blowing through the field. My close-up images were blurry or out of focus. My medium-to-wide range photographs showed picturesque plants waving in the wind. When I have had to take close-up pictures in this situation, I have resorted to having someone hold the stem of the plant out of the field of vision to minimize the movement of the plant. I have also had several seemingly perfect "bloom" photographs ruined by the late discovery of an insect. Pay attention to every movement, particularly in close environments; insects on plants are perfect it you want to illustrate beneficial or detrimental hosts, but not in other situations. >>

Page 1 Photographing Herbs
Page 2 Color Composition
Page 3 Lighting
Page 4 Scale and Perspective
Page 5 Background and Natural Elements
Page 6 Camera Care and Film
Page 7 Conclusions and Works Cited