Snow in Summer – NOT
These plants flower for only a very short time in June and you have to be quick to grab them in this state. When the light is bright and comes in through the trees at just that perfect angle, it looks like a snow scene. This is the second year I came to capture these flowers in this light as my first attempt the year before was a disaster. Nothing came out correctly. Even these pictures here could be better with a deeper depth of field to look more natural.
I got down low with my tripod and watched the blotches of light, filtered through the trees above, move slowly across this flower patch. Then, when I thought the composition was correct, snapped pictures. What I did wrong this time, was shoot with a f/2.8 aperture. This wide aperture, denoted by a lower number, will yield nice blurry backgrounds. Unfortunately, the depth of field was too narrow and not enough of the plants were in focus. Usually this blurriness yields cool arty pictures but here, I think it took away from the snow-scene illusion.
So, I will be back next June and, just maybe. I will get it right then.
Black & White or Color?
I don’t know if these shots look better in color or black and white? Drop me an email and tell me what you think.
The Equipment:
- Canon 5D MkII
- Canon 70-200mm L f/2.8 IS II
- Manfrotto 190 CXPRO4 tripod
- Manfrotto 498rc2 ball head
- LightRoom 5.3
