As summer approaches, friends will be traveling, the light is already harsh, the heat is increasing, dust infiltrates camera sensors, and traffic crawls. Additionally, gasoline prices in California are sky-high.
Recently, a fellow photographer accused me of being “negative” when I tried to negotiate a nice location to go shoot together. I am realistic—photography conditions in this region are challenging for half the year and trying to photograph in full sun is often a waste of time and money.
Unlike outdoor photography that relies on good weather and making plans with “positive” companions, still life and close-up photography at home offer more control and independence. In a previous post, I discussed techniques like darkening the background and selectively lighting subjects to enhance flower photography.
The featured image (f/18, 6s, ISO 100) was taken in my studio using a Nikon Z50 with an AF-S NIKKOR 105mm F2.8G lens, a speed light, off-camera trigger, light stand, diffuser, Red Lee Polyester filter, and a black background.
Tips: When using a flash, separate the background from the subject. Position one flash with a diffuser around 8 o’clock relative to the flower. I used Lee Polyester Filters for black and white photography. Though less common today, these filters can achieve effects similar to post-processing. A red filter, for example, will lighten similar colors and darken others. In the featured image, the red flower was rendered light grey, providing more creative flexibility.
The featured image is available for purchase in my GeoGallery folder, “Flower.”
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Wall Art landscapes and miscellaneous
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It is all about the light 
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