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Backyard Photo Ops

Ranked #13,082 in Arts & Design, #251,751 overall

Backyard Photography

The best photo opportunities often lie right in your own backyard. No need for a traveling budget or expensive equipment.

As a nature photographer who specializes in close-ups, I'm constantly on the lookout for details. A year ago, I decided to remove lawn from my backyard and transform the space into a flower garden. Little did I realize how my spontaneity would pay off.

Now I don't need to fill my gas tank and drive hundreds of miles in search of a good photo. My yard has become a bird sanctuary. My flowerbeds now form a lovely butterfly garden, where butterflies feast on dozens of species of plants. I have opportunities to capture amazing images in my backyard, from lightscapes I've taken early in the morning, to moody glimpses of the garden in the last ribbons of daylight.

This lens is a celebration of nature, a short course on what to look for, and a mini-gallery of some of the photo ops I've discovered in my own backyard.

Summer Treasures 

A little about me...

I'm a happily married mom, grandmother, writer, photographer, and product reviewer. I enjoy camping, gardening, history, picnics, and exploring used bookstores. I'm interested in technology, but also look forward to disconnecting now and then.

I don't enjoy shopping, and avoid the mall as much as possible. I grow a few vegetables and complain in the winter months when I have to buy tomatoes. I grew up in a small California town, but ended up traveling the world with my military husband. We've been rooted in the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years now.

Early morning is my favorite time of day, and coffee's on by 5. Autumn is my all-time favorite season. If I could pick the perfect R&R, I'd arrange to be airdropped with my husband into a fully-stocked, remote cabin next to a bubbling stream. (A cruise is not my idea of a fun vacation.)

Just give me a camera and turn me loose for a week, away from the computer, telephone, and doorbell. Ahhhh.

Before You Snap That Photo...

Five things to consider

pink cosmos photo The components of a good story require a writer to answer the questions, who? what? why? where? when? I apply the same to nature photography when I decide on an audience, object, reason, location, and time of day for capturing a good shot.

Life is a constant rush, but those of us who live and breathe photography feel pulled to slow down and step off the beaten path. For me, the "beaten path" is often my own backyard.

When I set up a photo, I consider how light plays across my subject. Early morning and late afternoon are my favorites. That doesn't mean I can't take some decent photos in-between; it simply means I like to plan around those golden hours.

I also consider color, texture, and I've planted a variety of perennials that provide exactly lots of both. When one begins to die out, another springs up.

Sunflower 

What Else?

I've grown to love photographing flowers long past their prime, too. That not only extends the availability of garden photos; it hopefully reflects my belief that beauty has no expiration date. Life is precious at every turn, from beginning to end. There are no set of rules for when a flower loses its photographic appeal.

So, if some of my florals appear less than lens-worthy it simply reflects how I feel about the topic of aging: Each stage of life holds a unique grace and beauty. The fun lies in capturing light at the right moment.

Bee Prepares for Takeoff 

Fabulous Books on Nature Photography!

I don't know about you, but I love-love-LOVE photography books. It inspires me to see the work of others, and to read how they produce amazing images. Sharing what we know is part of the fun of photography.
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Lovely Lilac 

Benefits of a Backyard Oasis

Some of you may have read a lens about my backyard makeover--how I picked up a shovel one day and began digging up my backyard. The work paid off, and I now have not only a beautiful, quiet place to unwind, but an ever-evolving flowerscape waiting to be photographed.

The next-best thing to photographing nature in my backyard is to read my favorite gardening and photography magazines. I love Birds & Blooms, Outdoor Photography, Backyard Living, and Gardening. The photos make me drool, and they have great articles and backyard projects.

If you're interested in photography, take a look at your own backyard. Make small changes, then add to it over time. If you love photographing closeups of flowers or butterflies, choose plants that will attract wildlife. I added three butterfly bushes (Buddleia), coneflowers, and sunflowers. The result in just one year has been amazing, and I'm told that each year's garden is better than the one before.Which comes first, an eager photographer or the tug of nature? In my case, it was the tug of nature. People who enjoy my nature photos comment that I must have "an eye for detail." That's one reason I've planted a backyard oasis, and it's why I don't have to travel far to create art.

This year, Swallowtail butterflies discovered my backyard. Goldfinches invited all their relatives, and have been crowding at my feeders for months. I turned an extra birdbath into an open feeder to accomodate newcomers.

My Equipment

I've fallen in love with macro photography. Here are some excellent lenses for capturing floral closeups.
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My Workspace 

Photo Topics @Squidoo

Every topic under the sun is covered at Squidoo. I've narrowed your search by providing this list of photo-related Squidoo lenses. Enjoy!
Is a picture truly worth 1,000 words?
How can our photos deliver the message we hope to achieve?
Everything Photography Headquarters
All things photos - great resource!
Canon 5D
All about my camera, which I've been using for two years. (I jumped ship from Nikon to Canon, and have never looked back...)
Vernacular Photography
A fascinating lens by someone who rescues old photos, and has a gigantic collection going.
Add borders to your Squidoo lens photos
Practical info for lensmasters, on how to dress up your Squidoo photos.

Vibrance 

A Little Help from our Friends

We all need a little help from our friends, right? Here are some wonderful resources I've turned to now and then. Enjoy!
Art of B/W Digital Photography
Learn how to improve your black-and-white images.
How to Effectively Upsize Images
There's right and wrong way to increase the size of photos. This one's a keeper!
How Big Can You Print from a Canon 5d?
For Canon 5D users, here's an excellent link on printing.
The Art of Selective Focus
Great tips on selective focus from BetterPhoto.com.
Anecdotes from a landscape photographer
In the second of our weekly series of beginners\'s landscape articles, Martin Pettinger looks at how trying a different approach can improve your images.
30 Minutes for the Birds
From Vivid Light comes this inspiring article about nature photography.

Pink Blackberry Blossoms 

The Challenge

Share your best backyard photo!

Grab your cameras. Head outside and see what you discover early in the morning or right before sundown.
Upload your photo and post a link in the list below.

Photo sharing helps us improve at photographers. That's why I started a photoblog a couple of years ago. I've not only made new friends who share similar interests, but the feedback they've offered is invaluable. A good critique does not have to be delivered with a critical spirit! Most photographers I've met are not out for one-upmanship. They're sincere and caring, and they take photo critiquing seriously.

As a shameless plug, I'm listing my photoblog (Photo Buffet) below. I'd love to see your work, as well. Who'll be next?

Share Your Backyard Photos!

To some people, "backyard" may mean their immediate area--a walk around the block, or around their town. Whatever. Show us the area where you live or visit often.

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Photo Buffet

Paired with inspirational quotes, these photos wer more...0 points

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The Way I See It

Jules has an eye for beauty in her own backyard.0 points

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Cornershots

A walk around the city...0 points

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Daily Walks | Diane Varner

Daily Walks along the Northern California coastlin more...0 points

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Mike Moats

Tiny Landscapes0 points

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A Walk Through Durham Township, Pennsylvania

Gorgeous landscapes & portraits0 points

Leave a Footprint

Sign Seedplanter's Guestbook

Thanks for taking time to visit my backyard. Photography doesn't have to be complicated. Look around your own backyard. What details do you see there?

submit
  • Reply
    hershelhahn1966 Nov 15, 2011 @ 6:19 am | delete
    Photography is an art. If someone possesses a very good quality camera, it doesn't imply that he is usually a good photographer. A very good camera can only ensure good quality pictures however this necessarily does not mean that photographs might be good from artistic point of view. For that one has to have some skills so that photographs might be more appealing to the eyes.
  • Reply
    hershelhahn1966 Nov 15, 2011 @ 6:17 am | delete
    Photography is an art. If someone possesses a very good quality camera, it doesn't imply that he is usually a good photographer. A very good camera can only ensure good quality pictures however this necessarily does not mean that photographs might be good from artistic point of view. For that one has to have some skills so that photographs might be more appealing to the eyes.
  • Reply
    russelladams Aug 29, 2011 @ 3:37 am | delete
    Are you looking for some contemporary ideas on wonderful artwork nature photography? It is rare to just point and shoot at nature with out thought and a very good photograph will come from it. High-quality art Nature Photography requires a while and thought - solely then are you able to get the results you had hoped for.
  • Reply
    KathyZinn Aug 11, 2011 @ 2:36 pm | delete
    I take advantage of many outdoor spots besides my yard. I have taken pictures of the flowers I have and offer them as free downloads on my website (love to share). I've enjoyed looking at what you have here, thanks.
  • Reply
    GrandMemories Jul 21, 2011 @ 2:25 pm | delete
    I live in the woods, surrounded by trees, birds, and animals. I absolutely LOVE shooting in my back yard!
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Photography in the News

What's happenin' out there...

'Grandma photographer' wins calendar contest | Houston gardening | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
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Wildscapes Workshop & Plant Sale set
Volunteer: Help clear debris at park
Trailing violas will add pizzazz in fall
Sow sweet peas for a bit of nostalgia
South Western grad hopes to inspire orphans with photography - Evening Sun
Profile of a freelance photographer with a vision...
Shake Up Your Photography
Shake Up Your Photography., Popular Photography & Imaging feature articles on photography, cameras, conferences, awards and more.
CJ Sorg idiotBlog: Backyard Photography
See what happens between a praying mantis and a camera...

Boomerang

Easy index for this lens

Ever reach the bottom of a lens and want to revisit certain sections? This extra Table of Contents is made for exactly that. Just click and go.
  1. Summer Treasures
  2. A little about me...
  3. Before You Snap That Photo...
  4. Sunflower
  5. What Else?
  6. Bee Prepares for Takeoff
  7. Fabulous Books on Nature Photography!
  8. Lovely Lilac
  9. Benefits of a Backyard Oasis
  10. My Equipment
  12. My Workspace
  13. Photo Topics @Squidoo
  14. Vibrance
  15. A Little Help from our Friends
  16. Pink Blackberry Blossoms
  17. The Challenge
  18. Share Your Backyard Photos!
  19. Leave a Footprint
  20. Photography in the News
  21. Follow Me (Seedplanter) on Twitter!
  22. Nature Photography@Twitter

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seedplanter

Contact me
I'm a writer, nature photographer,and product reviewer who has flipped over the creative potential of Squidoo.
Interests: family (can you spell... more »

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