Expert Advice: 9 Tips To Take Better Pictures From Garden Photographer Clive Nichols

With the proliferation of smartphones and high-quality compact cameras, it’s easier than ever to capture stunning images. However, there’s a significant difference between the everyday snapshots we’re accustomed to and the breathtaking photographs produced by renowned garden photographer Clive Nichols. A travel photographer turned garden enthusiast, Nichols’ passion is capturing the world’s most extraordinary gardens.

One of his favorite subjects is Pettifers, Gina Price’s breathtaking country garden in North Oxfordshire, where he resides. The pair met over a decade ago when Gina was first captivated by ornamental grasses, which now harmoniously coexist with her lush perennial planting. Today, her beautiful garden serves as the backdrop for workshops where Nichols shares his expertise and photography secrets. Following a recent workshop, I left with nine valuable tips for taking better garden photographs.

Invest in a Tripod

According to Nichols, the most significant distinction between amateur and professional photographs lies in their sharpness. To achieve bitingly sharp images, it’s essential to employ proper techniques. One of his go-to methods is using a zoom lens on a tripod, which offers two primary benefits. Firstly, it enables compression of perspective, resulting in an impressive depth of field.

Secondly, it allows him to rapidly capture distinct shots within a given space, as good lighting opportunities are often fleeting.

Shoot in Early Morning or Evening

As the seasons change, the photographic opportunities become even more diverse. The early morning hours, particularly in cooler climates, bring forth a mystical atmosphere as mist and fog rise from the box parterre at Pettifers. The air is filled with moisture, casting an ethereal veil over the landscape. Long shadows stretching across the ground at sunrise add depth to the scene, creating an otherworldly quality that is both haunting and beautiful.

Meanwhile, the evening hours bring a warm golden light as the sun dips low on the horizon, bathing the surroundings in a rich, vibrant hue. The combination of these two periods results in a visual feast that showcases the unique characteristics of each time of day.

Go for the Glow

When photographing, one technique is to shoot directly into the sun. This method produces backlighting on plants and flowers, often resulting in beautiful, high-contrast images. However, this approach can also lead to unwanted flare effects. To minimize these patches of brightness, consider incorporating tall trees or other natural barriers to diffuse the sun’s rays. This will help balance out the light and create a more visually appealing image.

No Sky Necessary

As the sun rises over the border of echinacea and Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’ at Pettifers, a warm glow illuminates the delicate petals and leaves. In photography, it’s easy to get caught up in capturing the majesty of the sky above. However, when the clouds are dull and unremarkable, they can actually detract from the beauty unfolding on the ground.

To elevate your composition, consider cropping out the sky entirely, allowing the viewer’s attention to focus on the intricate details of your subject.

Go Macro

To capture exceptional close-up shots, a macro lens is often the ideal choice. For instance, Nichols employs a 180-millimeter lens to achieve breathtaking results. When utilizing a macro lens with a large aperture like f4 or f3.5, you’ll be able to create a shallow depth of field, resulting in a beautiful bokeh effect where the background is intentionally blurred and your subject stands out prominently.

This type of lens is particularly useful for capturing intricate details of insects and buds as they emerge from bloom.

Let’s Go Indoors

While some of the most impressive still-life photographs can be captured with minimal equipment and settings, even in the absence of an ideal outdoor setup, a windowsill with soft natural light offers a reliable alternative. This approach allows you to continue taking pictures, regardless of what’s happening in the garden. For added versatility, a reflector can be used to subtly illuminate flowers from unexpected angles.

According to Nichols, capturing great garden shots is significantly more challenging than photographing individual plants because outdoor settings introduce numerous variables, including light, wind, and the need for a cohesive overall scene that works as one harmonious picture.

The Thirds Rule

While the concept of symmetry is often praised for creating visually appealing compositions, it’s equally important to consider the power of asymmetry in photography. The idea that a subject looks better when placed slightly off-center, rather than perfectly centered, is exemplified by the backlit Cornus controversa Variegata in this example. By placing the focal point within the ‘thirds’ of an imaginary grid, photographers can create more engaging and dynamic compositions.

Furthermore, repeating patterns or features throughout the shot can add depth and visual interest to the image, even if it’s just a subtle variation in texture or shape.

Frame Game

A clever way to elevate your photography skills is by utilizing vertical structures to create frames within compositions. The parterre at Pettifers, beautifully framed by a rose arbor, serves as a prime example of this technique’s effectiveness. To achieve similar results, consider incorporating pergolas, arches, and tree boughs into your shots. Moreover, don’t be afraid to experiment with different vantage points by moving around or utilizing elevated spaces like treehouses or ladders.

You can also capture unique perspectives by getting up close and personal with the subject matter or shooting from a low angle on the ground.

Plan Ahead

The photograph of Narcissus ‘Johann Strauss’ in full bloom, taken during the spring season, showcases Clive Nichols’ meticulous approach to capturing garden beauty. Before snapping the perfect shot, Nichols often conducts thorough location scouts, venturing out early in the morning or revisiting a site multiple times until he achieves the desired outcome.

For insight into his creative process and upcoming workshops, visit [www. clivenichols. com](http://www. clivenichols. com).

Additionally, readers can refer to ’10 Tips for Gorgeous Garden Photos’ for expert advice on capturing stunning garden images. To access this valuable resource, simply log in or register.