At a recent workshop on wildflower macro photography, one of the most common problems that students had was too busy of a background. They wanted everything sharp on the blossom(s), but in getting that looking great, the backgrounds were often too defined and distracting.
Poppy A
© Brenda Tharp
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The Key to Success...
Yet, in all types of macro flower photography, background is key to an image’s success. You want the subject to stand out, not the background. Some people use solid fabrics or black to block out the background entirely; but if you want a natural look, you’re going to have to go with the natural field behind that flower.Accompanying this article are two examples of the same poppy. In the first image (Poppy A), I chose an aperture of f16 because I wanted the blossom and water drops as sharp as possible. I really liked the red "skirt" at the base of the blossom and that opening into the flower, too. But the background became a little too busy - and even though I gardened a little bit, cleaning up some dead grass stalks and leaves, light areas of highlights out of focus started to become too distracting. It’s not bad, but the second image (Poppy B) has a better, simpler background. I chose an aperture of f10 for it. However, the little red "skirt" is less sharp and the opening area appears a little softer, too. But what a difference in the background.
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DOF Preview Button...
In making these pictures, I used my depth of field preview button to get a sense of what the background would be like. I move the focus back and forth while holding in that button, trying to see the changes in the background and settling on an aperture that gives me the best compromise.I can’t live without that button for this type of picture, yet it’s not easy to see the image at f10 or f16. I throw a dark cloth over my head so my eyes will adjust to the darkened image in the viewfinder, and then I can see so much better. Still, I usually make a few exposures at close, yet different apertures that make the background look good while keeping the subject sharp, too. Then, I review them on my computer to make the final decision.
Getting It Right ... in the Field
Yes, you can use the computer and Gaussian blur that background, but I prefer to get most of my work done while making the picture, so I have more time in the field photographing than in the office doing Photoshop. Personal choice - and a pride in being able to get it the way I want it in the field.There are lots more tips to help you maximize depth of field and minimize backgrounds. If you want more information, consider signing up for my Macro I or Macro II online photography courses.
About Author / Instructor / Photographer, Brenda Tharp
 Brenda Tharp is known for her inspirational and informative workshops. She is the author/photographer of the book Creative Nature and Outdoor Photography that has been receiving excellent reviews. Brenda has also written how-to articles for many photo magazines, including Outdoor Photographer. Brenda followed her passion many years ago when she quit her corporate job to pursue a career in outdoor and travel photography. She has llama-trekked, sea-kayaked, flown in helicopters and hot-air balloons, cycled, and hiked to create her photographs. Those images have appeared on the pages of Alaska Airlines, Audubon, Discovery, National Geographic, Northwest Airlines, Sierra, Sunset and Travel Holiday magazines, along with many others. She has images included in books produced by Chronicle, Michelin, National Geographic, and Sierra Club. Her keen eye for design and use of natural light and color are a signature in her work. Her photographs are regularly published in calendars and greetings cards for a variety of international companies. Brenda markets her own stock photographs, and is also represented by Workbookstock.com. She has co-starred in episodes of Canon's Photo Safari television program, and appeared on San Francisco area news shows to discuss photography techniques. She has developed a reputation as a teacher of unlimited energy with a compassionate yet honest approach to critiquing.
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