Photographing Snowdrops

Gear:

• Macro lens such as the 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro NIKKOR or telezoom lens with an extension tube
• LiveView- As you will be working close to the ground using the viewfinder could be tricky so a camera which features LiveView such as Nikon's D3100 would be useful as you'll be able to compose images using the LCD monitor.
• Tripod
• Waterproof sheet, a mat or kneeling pads will make the experience more comfortable for you

Technique:
Ideally, you need to be working at the same height as the snowdrops so be prepared for sitting or kneeling on the damp ground. To get you even closer to the flower heads you'll need to splay the legs on your tripod and, if you can, move the centre column from vertical to horizontal as this will get you closer to the ground. As well as making use of LiveView, switch on the camera's self-timer or use your cable release to help keep your shots shake-free.

Once you're set-up, you'll find you need a small f/stop to get good depth-of-field, which means you need a long exposure and when you look through the viewfinder or use your LiveView, you'll notice how the smallest of breezes will blow the flower which when mixed with slower shutter speeds, will create blur. Try using a plamp or even a simple piece of wire to keep the flower still or you could just wait patiently for the wind to settle down.

If you find a particularly good specimen that doesn't have anything distracting in the background or foreground, throw the background out of focus, keeping the flower sharp. Take this one step further and completely cut out the steam, leaving the viewer's focus completely on the head of the flower. If the background looks a little too empty try positioning yourself so another Snowdrop sits in the background which you can blur out of focus. For group shots, try to pick out two or three for the centre of your image then create an out of focus frame with the surrounding snowdrops.

Whether you're a beginner looking for a compact camera or a pro in the market for a high-end DSLR visit Nikon – the company who has photographic gear to suit everyone.