Another tip for photographing roses: learn from the master.
Study Redoute
Pierre-Joseph Redoute was perhaps the original rose portraitist. To this day, no one has done it better. His paintings convey a freshness and "aliveness". Though Redoute's paintings were made nearly 200 years ago, the roses look as though they were picked this morning. Have a look at how he did it, and learn from it. Here's what I learned:
-- Include the foliage
The rose just doesn't look right without foliage. It doesn't have to be perfect foliage. A touch of mildew or an insect nibble adds character and realism. The flower, however, should be as perfect as possible.
-- Create strong shapes with the arrangement of the roses within the frame
Have the blooms and stems arranged to form a triangle, diamond, or swoosh shape. It helps the eye enjoy the image.
-- Include the stages of the flower
A fully open, a half-open, and a bud.
'William Shakespeare 2000' and 'Prospero' (below)
'Mrs. B. R. Cant'
Felco Classic Manual Hand Pruner #F-2
Corona Clipper AC 8300 Sharpening Tool
So pretty!
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