Flower Photography Workshop: From Realistic to Imaginative

Celebrate the return of Spring and the emergence of colorful flowers in all nature’s variety with a flower photography workshop. We can approach flower photography from a variety of stylistic points of view from realistic to imaginative. In this workshop, we embrace a full spectrum of techniques so you can discover new approaches and refine your existing skills. Being based at Mountain Lens in Hendersonville, NC, in the same workshop we are able to combine controlled environment studio techniques, with in-the field photography at the impressive gardens and conservatory at the historic Biltmore Estate in nearby Asheville, NC. The centerpiece of the Biltmore’s famous gardens is the walled garden which features 74,000 tulips at peak bloom in April. Flowering trees and shrubs adorn the paths and we might also catch early blooming azaleas and a wisteria-draped pergola. Some realistic, left-brained photo techniques we’ll cover include clean, modern, high-key flower photography and focus-stacking to expand depth-of-field, which is especially useful for deep flowers. Imaginative, right-brained photo techniques will include using a Lensbaby specialty lens to combine sharpness with pleasing blur, intentional camera movement techniques, and artistic distortions created by photographing flowers through, or reflected in, textured art glass. Your experience will be enhanced and consolidated through group photo sharing with supportive image feedback, and you will practice editing your own images with input and guidance from Mary Louise. The workshop culminates with each participant printing one of their images to take home for display.