BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Macro Photography Tip

Cathy Barrows		Help with Flower Photography I am looking for helpful hints with holding flowers and shaping them for photography ... other than placing them in a vase, which usually puts them in a position that is not very complimentary for the purpose of photographing them. Thanks in advance! To love this question, log in above January 30, 2005

Bob Cammarata		Cathy, I've had success positioning flowers, plants ... even mushrooms for close-ups by using those thin metal rods that florists use to position bouquet arrangements. They can be found at any flower shop or craft store. You can carry some with you in the field along with a small chunk of styrofoam. The rods will slide up into the stem of most plants, allowing them to be bent and positioned at any angle. (Flowers with tender stems can be secured to the rod with twist-ties.) Another method that works is plastic drinking straws. The flower stem goes inside the straw and you can stick it into soft soil (or styrofoam) for positioning. The standard size works well for plants and flowers with thick stems and for the thin, delicate ones ... use round coffee stirrers or sip-sticks. During "flower season", I carry a few of each kind in my photo backpack, along with scissors to cut them to size. To love this comment, log in above January 30, 2005

Cathy Barrows		Thanks Bob: Those are wonderful ideas ... I will go gather those ingredients this week To love this comment, log in above January 30, 2005

robimages.com - Robert Mann Contact Robert Mann Robert Mann's Gallery		Hi Cathy! Bob has great suggestions. I think I will try them as well. I also use twist ties or even rubber bands to arrange a small group of flowers, usually the same type and any where from 2 to 5...haven't tried more yet. To love this comment, log in above February 01, 2005

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