Hi, fellow photography lovers! 👋 Today, I want to share my experience and some tips for photographing this flower, which is not only beautiful but also has an extraordinary story and character: the Dahlia!
If you've ever seen a Dahlia, you've surely been captivated, right? They come in a variety of shapes: small flowers like miniature sunflowers, large ones like umbrellas, some with tightly packed petals like rolled bread, and others with elongated petals like a curved sunflower. Their colors are no less exciting: from soft pinks, refreshing bright yellows, elegant golden purples, to color combinations that are simply a delight to the eye.
I vividly remember the first time I discovered a Dahlia in a neighbor's garden. In the late afternoon, the afternoon sun shone on the flower at just the right angle, reflecting the golden light off each petal, making it appear as if it were glowing on its own. I immediately grabbed my phone and started snapping away. But it turns out, photographing Dahlias isn't as easy as I thought! Their numerous, tightly packed petals can sometimes make it difficult to get the right focus, and their bright colors can sometimes make photos too bright if the sunlight is too strong.
So, here are some tips I learned while photographing Dahlias, which you can try too:
✨ 1. Choose the Right Time
Afternoon (4:00 PM-5:30 PM) or early morning (6:00 AM-7:30 AM) are the best times! The soft sunlight (golden hour) makes the Dahlia colors more vibrant and avoids dark shadows. If you want to photograph with a raindrop backdrop, try photographing just after the rain has finished, creating a fresher and more mysterious photo.
✨ 2. Focus on Unique Details
Don't just photograph the entire flower. Try focusing on each petal individually, noting its smooth texture and neat lines. Or focus on the center of the flower, which is full of pollen, or even on an insect perched on it. These details make the photo more telling and interesting.
✨ 3. Use Macro Mode or Background Blur (Bokeh)
If your phone or camera has a macro mode, use it! This mode allows you to capture small details clearly. If not, try adjusting the settings to blur the background (bokeh). This will make the dahlia flower stand out and be more in focus. It's easy: get as close as possible to the flower, and make sure the background is far away from it.
✨ 4. Try Different Angles
Don't just stand and shoot from above. Try crouching down to the flower's level for a more intimate and personal photo. Or try shooting from below; against the blue sky, the results will be stunning! Don't hesitate to try different angles, as each angle has its own unique beauty.
✨ 5. Pay Attention to Photo Composition
Use the "rule of thirds" to create a more balanced photo. Place the focal point (the dahlia) at one of the intersection points of the lines, not in the middle. Or try a "leading line" composition by using branches or leaves around the flower to draw the eye to it.
Besides, dahlias also have beautiful meanings! In some cultures, they symbolize happiness, success, and honesty. This flower is also often used as a decorative flower at special events because of its timeless beauty.
Every time I photograph a dahlia, I always discover new beauty I hadn't noticed before. Sometimes a petal is slightly crooked but makes the flower even more unique, or a water droplet falls in the perfect position. That's what makes flower photography so enjoyable: you never get bored, because every moment and every flower is different.
Note: I am writing in Indonesian and using the help of Google translate to translate into English.
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| Photographer | Smartphone used | Location |
|---|---|---|
| @gunting | Realme C53 | Aceh Province. Indonesian Country. |
