Having photographed flowers and garden for over 25 years , Dave Zubraski has truly established himself as one of the UK ’s go horticultural photographer .
His workplace has been used in various cartridge holder and publications worldwide , as well as in advertising campaigns , Christian Bible and calendars .
I spoke to Dave to empathize how he became interested in this calling itinerary and what advice he has for those looking to begin a life history in garden photography .
What Led You To A Career In Garden Photography?
“ I expire to an exhibition of Robert Mapplethorpe ’s flower photographs and find them very inspiring , ” Dave contribution .
“ I then simply started my own career by sending some bloom images toCarol Sharp’sphotographic garden program library ‘ Flower Photos ' ” .
What Is It About Plants That Make You Passionate About Photographing Them?
“ I just chance plant and flowers incredible . The way that nature ’s colours harmonise with the patterns and shapes – there are endless variations .
I also be intimate the fact that you could exploit on your own . ahead of time in the morning on an overcast Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , everything just looks great . There are often no people and you’re able to just get a line the hiss singing .
“ Everything feel fresh and animated . It is very rewarding in a creative way . ”
How Do You Go About Capturing The ‘Perfect Image’?
“ I often set up a diffuser first if it is a very bright solar day and then adjudicate which lens would be most worthy , ” Dave explains . “ I practice a macro instruction for close - up shots , a telephoto if I am standing back to get more of the plant in the crack or a blanket - slant lens .
“ Next , I go about finding the best slant and aperture . I often take several shot with dissimilar aperture and decide later on which one I like well . Using something like F2.8 or F4 is great to obscure the background , which may be distracting from the main field .
“ The perfect look-alike could be many dissimilar things , depending on what I am shooting . With flowers and plants , I seek to show the most interesting features . It could be the figure on the petals or leaves or the way the colour merge .
“ I taste to get an angle that open a bit of movement to the shot so it does n’t look too unchanging . ”
Do You Have Any Favourite Plants To Photograph? Why Are They Your Favourite?
“ It is hard to prefer a favourite , but something like theEchinopsritro‘Veitch ’s Blue ’ would by all odds be one . When you look intimately the shape , colour and point of the tiny spikes , it ’s truly awesome .
“ Nigella damascenais another favourite . The protective cage - comparable social organisation that forms around the seed head is interesting .
“ I also wish to photograph the lovelyFritillaria meleagris . It just looks so balanced and soft . ”
What Has Been One Of Your Favourite Experiences During Your Career?
“ early on on in my career , an persona of a Narcissus I took was used by Sainsbury ’s .
“ One sidereal day , around Easter metre , I drove into the local Sainsbury ’s machine park and the image was used on very large standard across the car commons . Inside the store , they had used the same image on Easter posters and packaging .
“ I mean it looked majuscule . ”
Can You Explain Some Of The Challenges With Garden Photography? What Difficulties Have You Faced?
“ The weather can be challenge . Too bright , too windy , too rainy – there is always something to sound off about !
“ pose in very early can sometimes be difficult . I prefer to bulge around dayspring . ”
How Do You Go About Photographing Plants? What Is Unique About Your Process?
“ I do n’t really think there is anything peculiarly singular about the way I wreak , ” Dave simply states .
“ I just endeavor to make the plant look the best and interesting as I can . ”
What’s Next For You?
“ I trust to stockpile on working and improving and try and stay as fit as I can . Really , I see every mean solar day I go out as a Modern labor , as I find it all very pleasurable and creative .
“ I just set out the blanket photo on the new2024 Bluten Bilder Flower Calendar – it looks great ! ”
What Advice Would You Give To Those Thinking About Getting Into Photography?
“ I think it is the same as anything else , ” he share . “ If you are really interested in doing something and you put all your energy and metre into it , you will finally win .
“ strain and analyse other photographer ’ work and record as much as you could about it . As with everything , be original and make your own expressive style . ”
