P#2 Q#6: The Dandelion and the Secrets of Taking Amazing Flower Photographs

A master photographer explains the dandelion theory

Audri Lanford: Now for one of my absolute favorite questions: can you share a couple of your secrets to taking such amazing flower photographs? And can you show us some of your photographs to illustrate what we're talking about?

Tony Sweet: Well I wish these tips were mine, Audri, but I'm just giving things that were passed down to me, basically. But I'll pass them down to you guys.

Let's start with the first photograph. In fact, the first flower is a weed. It's called a dandelion, which everybody mows down all the time. But dandelions are remarkably photogenic subjects.

The graphic lines in the dandelion are just wonderful, as are the spores. The dandelion is like another planet, almost. It's beautiful.

And the image here is shot wide open, at the widest aperture. That's why it's so soft - with very selective focus. (click the photo for a larger version)

And that's what I like to do, to get the feel of an image more than a technical flower-book type shot (which is fine too). It's a matter of what you like. I like this kind of work. I tend to gravitate towards this.

And, again, fill in the frame with your subject; this is an example. It's edge-to-edge full frame. I added some spores on one side only, to give a kind of visual asymmetry, which I always try to do; to have little hook.

Audri Lanford: I can't believe that's a dandelion.

Tony Sweet: Oh, sure. [laughs]

Audri Lanford: That's gorgeous!

Tony Sweet: Get your macro lens out and go look at one. That's just how they look.

Audri Lanford: Dandelions are in my yard. I certainly will.

Tony Sweet: And then cut them down. But photograph them first!

Don't limit yourself to the royalty of the garden -- the dandelion makes a beautiful subject.