Whispered Petals: A Guide to Capturing Roses and Their Stories

One of my passions is photography. I took four years of photography in high school in a dark room. I was enamored with taking my camera and finding a subject that I could photograph, and with my photo, I could tell a story without words.

I have enjoyed photographing many subjects, but flowers have been my favorite. It may be that I find the flower sensual, with its many petals unfolding, or how the light hits the blossom.

Roses are my favorite flowers to photograph, next to the peony. With a rose, I find its sensual beauty; the core is hidden with secrets that are kept close to its heart. Their mystery is enfolded in the dark curls, and only the amount that the rose wants us the view will be seen.

Below, I explain my process in more detail. Although I chose roses as my subject, all of my tips can be applied to other flowers and landscape photography.

Equipment

The camera I used for my roses is a Canon EOS 60D with various lenses. My go-to lens for most photos is a Canon EFS 18-200mm. For extreme close-ups, I used a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L. As well as my iPhone and iPad camera.

I also used a Kodak - Photo Gear 63" Tripod and Monopod with 360° Ball. When I photograph my roses, I need absolutely no movement to ensure the best possible sharpness I can achieve.

Setting

When I begin planning to photograph a rose, I first decide if I want to capture the rose in its natural setting or play with the background and create a still life for a more dramatic image.

I have always been taught not to photograph on super bright days as it washes away the flower by overexposing the texture and colors of the flower. It can be a challenge working with harsh shadows and glares. So, photographers use a white diffuser disc to help control the lighting. I have not had much success with this, so I prefer to wait for cloudier days. The clouds help give the subject softer and more even lighting. There is less risk of glare, and believe it or not, it can help create a calmer background.

Editing

After I download the pictures, I use Photoshop to work on the editing process. I use the Topaz filter within the Photoshop system.

Storytelling

With some photos, I will tell you what I was trying to convey within my photo.

With this group of roses, I wanted to single out the front rose. I used the colorization method to enhance its rich tones while softening the background.

Here I wanted to capture the raw, natural beauty of a rose glimmering with water droplets. The droplets added texture and subtle moments while enhancing the roses' delicate charm.

This red rose was edited with the Flaming Pear Flood 2 Plugin to create a mesmerizing water reflection effect. The image evokes a feeling of sensuality, yet within the reflections, there is a subtle darkness. Something within the hidden depths lures the viewer into wondering what is beneath the surface.

This peice my Mozart was played while I set the mood for this photo, Mozart ( Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K.467 - Andante ).

There's something captivating about a rose in a wine glass sitting on a scatter of music sheets. I have this fantasy that Mozart composing his pieces musical pieces with the sweet fragrant roses and wine beside him where a contrast between loveliness and dramatic passion unfolds. It's as if balance between light and dark creates symphony of passionate romance that is reflected in his emotional music.

While out and about, I came across this Beach Rose (rugosea Rose Saltspray) and had to capture it's happiness that was shinning so bright. With the use of my iPhone, I was pleased to have photographed this flower with it's delicate petals sill wet from morning dew.

Here are a few more of my favorites. In the comments, please tell me what you see or feel.

For some background music, please listen to:

This is a special one as this Tea Rose also known as Hybrid tea rose or Miniature rose is laying between the pages of a vintage book of my Grandmother's.

As you can tell, I prefer still-life photography as I can better control the elements and lighting and work with props. I hope you enjoyed my rose photography and learning about my process.

Please don't forget to let me know in the comments what photo landed for you!