Make Dazzling Orchid Pictures -
Succumb to Orchid Mania!

So you want to take alluring orchid pictures? Of all the flowers in the world, none are more seductive than orchids. They're aloof, classy, even snobbish. And a photographer's dream.

Take a trip to see where this video was shot... Yeomijo Botanical Garden, Jeju Island, South Korea. Click here - you'll be whisked off to this fabulous, exotic garden. A new window will open so these orchids will be waiting for you when you're done.

If you're going to take serious orchid pictures, you have to get in close. That means you have to have a good quality close-up or macro lens along with a tripod - there's no way around it! A point and shoot will leave you frustrated when you're photographing orchids!

• Choose a fresh and flawless orchid that's fully opened!

• Tie any distracting objects out of the way with twist ties or tape.

• If you're shooting outdoors, find a sheltered location with no wind.

• Use reflectors to bounce the light onto the bloom. White foam board or cardboard will do the trick.

• Never use direct flash. It's much too harsh. If you need a little extra light to fill in shadows, use bounce flash. You can easily make one at home.

• If you use your own backgrounds, make them neutral shades like muted earth tones. They'll set off the flowers without being distracting. Poster board with a mat surface is best since a shiny surface reflects light.

• Quality of light is important. The best light is bright open shade.

I do take photos of entire plants or several blooms with leaves but...

...the most alluring and romantic orchid pictures are close-up or macros. See if you agree.

	This showy cattleya orchid bloom is frilly and sensuous. Nature makes quite a splash in her color pallette! Soft pink, vibrant fuschia and bright yellow complement each other. How many composition rules can you count here? Need help?
	In your travels, visit Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, Ontario. Have tea and a scone in the garden or greenhouse after an estate tour. The greenhouse is filled with dazzling orchids and you can take pictures here - but no photos in the manor.
	If you leave it to your camera to take correct light readings of white, you may be very unhappy. Your light meter wants to make everything grey. Be brave and take matters into your own hands! Want to know how to do that easily?
	These white phalaenopsis orchids started out in living color! I subtracted all the color except for the red in the lip and filaments. This is easily done in Photoshop. I always shoot RAW color, then make a black and white copy in Photoshop.
	Here's a color version of the same orchids above. I use the curve of the stem across the entire orchid picture. My instinct was to take macros of these gorgeous white orchids but it's also good to show them in their natural environment.
	It's hard to meter correctly for black and white but black and white together is the hardest combination to get right. You can do it successfully with a little knowledge about light and your camera's capabilities! Get some simple theory and tips.

This fuschia phalaenopsis orchid plant belongs to a friend in Winnipeg. She has over 100 orchids of all varieties - I'm so envious! This one is living outside for the moment, brightening up her large garden area.

If you have a friend with potted orchids, you struck gold! Hopefully, she'll give you a bit of leeway to move them around so you can capture the best angles. Indoors in good quality window light is a great place to take your orchid pictures.

Be gentle with the plants and don't damage or break off any blooms.

Find a local garden to practice taking seductive orchid pictures because they require patience and persistence. Consistent practice will pay off!

Dark, bright yellow phalaenopsis orchids with red poinsettias in a Christmas display. These are in the greenhouse at Parkwood Estate in Oshawa Ontario. The estate was built by R. S. McLaughlin, the General Motors tycoon.

The gardens are spectacular. The mansion is now a museum and a popular movie set. If you live in the area, check with them for their numerous community events. And browse the gift shop.

I always stay for tea and a chat with the ladies, and take orchid pictures in the greenhouse! They're very proud of their orchids.