View Full Version : Photographing wild flowers
Yesterday I stumbled across a hillside of Pasque Flowers, a rare plant of chalk downs, which is apt given that it was Easter. Anyway, I'd like to photograph them, but wind vibration is a problem. Does anyone have any solutions which do not involve damage to the plant (which is about 4" high). I won't use a plamp due to potential damage. I have a translucent tent but it is a pain to use and requires its own tripod as support. A self supporting translucent tunnel would be useful.
Leif
Leif can you make some sort of small windbreak out of card and some sticks.
Leif can you make some sort of small windbreak out of card and some sticks.
Not a bad idea. I could make a seaside style windbreak from translucent fabric and some light poles. I might try with a makeshift version to see if turbulence on the leeward side is an issue.
Leif
Hi Leif
I usually carry a 2' x 1' piece of old lightweight tent canvas as a wind break, I've stiched strips of canvas in the middle and at each end to thread a stick through. I set it up to form a 'V' shaped shelter around the subject, this usually stops enough wind to make photography possible, although not always! I have been known to use bin liners, my camera bag, my wifes jacket (it's preferable to using mine), and anthing lying around that may be suitable.
nirofo.
Leif, I sometimes use a plastic 6 pint Milk carton, cut out one panel and slip it behind the flower. You can hold it down with a tent peg put through a hole in the bottom of the carton.
Nogbad
I like the idea of carrying a cloth to use as a wind break. Maybe ripstop nylon?
I'll get my wife to run something up for me. Any suggestions for colour?
I hope to do a lot of flower photos this year.
Sky blue is good and so is white both will give a little reflective qualities as well.
I like the idea of carrying a cloth to use as a wind break. Maybe ripstop nylon?
I'll get my wife to run something up for me. Any suggestions for colour?
I hope to do a lot of flower photos this year.
Hi Snowyowl
The cloth I use was from a kids lightweight tent which had been destroyed in the usual way kids do these things, it just happened to be green!
nirofo.
Thanks for the numerous excellent suggestions. I tried using my tent again last night and it was useless. Oh well. Plenty more ideas to try .... Leif
This month's BBC Wildlife mag suggests a collapsible reflector for just this purpose, then suggests a home-made foil-covered cardboard sheet as a cheap alternative. No idea how well this would work in reality, but it may be worth a go.
This month's BBC Wildlife mag suggests a collapsible reflector for just this purpose, then suggests a home-made foil-covered cardboard sheet as a cheap alternative. No idea how well this would work in reality, but it may be worth a go.
That's probably okay for light wind, but where I was yesterday there was quite a gust blowing. Even though the flower and camera were enclosed in a small tent, the flapping of the side of the tent set up vibrations that ruined the pictures.
Plan B is to wait for the wind to drop. And to look skywards with an imploring look. :D
I can remember waiting up to an hour on occasions for the wind to drop, just so that I could get one chance at a shot I'd maybe planned for ages!
nirofo.
Well as suggested by Sharon I used a diffuser as a wind screen, and waited for calm spells, and it seems to do the trick. I can't say it's too arduous, sitting on the side of a hill, listening to Skylarks and Lapwings. I think I need to improve the backgrounds though.
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