Great flower photos make you stop scrolling. As florists we spend our days arranging blooms, and we know that how a flower is photographed can matter as much as how it is grown or arranged. This guide brings together practical flower photography tips and 38 photographers from around the world whose work is worth following.
Every photographer below gave us permission to feature their work. Each profile includes a short introduction and links to their website and social channels, so you can see more of what they do.
Flower Photography Tips From the Experts
Looking closely at the work of the photographers in this guide, a few habits show up again and again. You can use them with a professional camera or a phone.
Work With Soft, Low Light
Early morning and late afternoon light is softer and warmer than midday sun, and it brings out petal texture without harsh shadows. On bright days, look for open shade or use a white sheet or diffuser to soften the light. Overcast days are ideal for saturated colour.
Get Close and Fill the Frame
Many of the most striking images here are macro or close-up shots. Get closer than feels natural, fill the frame with a single bloom and look for details like stamens, dew drops or the curve of a petal. On a phone, use portrait mode or a clip-on macro lens.
Control the Background
A clean background makes the flower the hero. Use a wide aperture (a low f-number such as f/2.8) to blur what is behind the bloom, change your angle to put dark foliage or sky behind it, or place a sheet of card behind cut flowers at home.
Keep Still and Watch the Wind
Even a light breeze will blur fine detail. Use a tripod or brace yourself against something solid, choose a faster shutter speed outdoors, and wait for a pause in the wind. A self-timer helps you avoid camera shake.
Tell a Story
Landscape photographers in this list often show flowers in their setting: a lavender farm at sunset, a canola field under storm clouds, or wildflowers after rain. Wildlife photographers capture bees, birds and insects visiting blooms. Think about what makes the scene special, not just the flower itself. Want to see places like these in person? Our guide to amazing flower fields around the world covers where and when to go.
Respect the Plants
Stay on paths, never pick protected wildflowers and avoid trampling plants to get a shot. Many Australian native species are protected, and some, like the Bald Island marlock below, grow only in small areas.
Australian Flower Photographers
Australia’s wildflowers, desert blooms and farm fields give local photographers an incredible range of subjects, from Sturt desert pea to canola in full flower.
Bald Island Marlock flowers by Esther Beaton
Photo used with permission from Esther Beaton © Image is subject to copyright.
Hungarian-born Esther Beaton is an award winning, highly revered Australian wildlife and nature photographer. Esther’s 30+ -year career began when she moved from the USA to Australia.
You can see more of Esther Beaton’s work at estherbeaton.com and the following social media:
Sturt Desert Pea Flowers by Julie Fletcher
Photo used with permission from Julie Fletcher © Image is subject to copyright.
Australian native Julie Fletcher’s passion, honesty, and huge sense of humour come through loud and clear in her body of work. Julie goes to great lengths for her work, many times trekking alone to photograph remarkable scenes of animals, flora, and the Dali-like landscape of the Outback.
You can see more of Julie Fletcher’s work at Julie Fletcher website and the following social media:
Teatree flowers by Kah Kit Yoong
Photo used with permission from Kah Kit Yoong © Image is subject to copyright.
The theory behind Melbourne-based Kah Kit Yoong’s nature and landscape photography is simple: to capture moods created by the transformative light that appears just twice each day. This fleeting window of time, called The Magic Hour or sometimes The Golden Hour, is a highly coveted aesthetic cinematographers and photographers use to describe the “perfect” time for filming magical or romantic scenes.
You can see more of Kah Kit Yoong’s work at magichourtravelscapes.com and the following social media:
Canola field by Luke Austin
Photo used with permission from Luke Austin © Image is subject to copyright.
Australian-born photographer Luke Austin creates more than beautiful landscape and nature photography — he creates soulscapes. Luke is happiest when wandering the vast wilderness, camera equipment in tow, searching for fresh perspectives and new landscapes to share.
You can see more of Luke Austin’s work at lukeaustinphotography.com and the following social media:
Lavender flower Field by Luke Tscharke
Photo used with permission from Luke Tscharke © Image is subject to copyright.
Luke Tscharke may somewhat of a newer photographer, but he’s taking the profession by storm. Luke was named the AIPP 2016 Emerging Photographer of the Year and has multiple wins under his belt— about 30 in just three years.
You can see more of Luke Tscharke’s work at luketscharke.com and the following social media:
Wollybutt Flowers by Nick Rains
Photo used with permission from Nick Rains © Image is subject to copyright.
Master Photographer of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography and Principal Instructor at Leica Akademie Nick Rains has a deep commitment to his craft and to helping other “committed enthusiasts” take the photos of their dreams in faraway locations across the globe. Nick, an accomplished professional with double degrees in zoology and photography, has been featured in such prestigious publications as Australian Geographic, Reader’s Digest, Sports Illustrated, and more.
You can see more of Nick Rains’ work at nickrains.com and the following social media:
Paul Arnold
Photo used with permission from Paul Arnold © Image is subject to copyright.
Australian landscape photographer Paul Arnold has been travelling the country for more than 26 years, searching for one-of-a-kind images found nowhere else on earth. His technique, which has been carefully honed over the course of his career, produces high-quality images of the Northern Territory and remote Outback.
You can see more of Paul Arnold’s work at paularnold.com.au and the following social media:
Kangaroo Paw Flower by Rob Gray
Photo used with permission from Rob Gray © Image is subject to copyright.
Next on our list comes a true Renaissance man— Rob Gray. In the past, Rob designed hardware and embedded systems, worked on high-level fuzzy-logic code, wrote PC applications, worked as a darkroom tech and commercial photographer, was named ACT Inventor of the Year, and even had a product on the market!
You can see more of Rob Gray’s work at robgray.com
Flower Photographers in the UK
British photographers have a gift for soft light, cottage-garden colour and wild meadows. Many of them also teach, so their work is a great place to learn technique.
Musk Thistle flower by Carol Sharp
Photo used with permission from Carol Sharp © Image is subject to copyright.
Carol Sharp’s commercial photography does a fantastic job at blurring the line between fine art and nature, landing her a multitude of commissions by such companies as Twining’s, Sainsbury’s, Proctor & Gamble, M&S, and Yardley (to name just a few). In fact, her reputation as one of Britain’s top floral photographers led to Carol directing television commercials for the Hampton Court Place and Tatton Park garden shows.
You can see more of Carol Sharp’s work at carolsharp.co.uk and the following social media:
Tulip field by Chris Herring
Photo used with permission from Chris Herring © Image is subject to copyright.
Full-time landscape photographer and workshop leader Chris Herring works almost exclusively in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, East Anglia, and other parts of the British Isles— however looking at Chris’ portfolio, one would never be able to guess. Shooting during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, Chris’ work beautifully captures the duplicitous landscape of Britain.
You can see more of Chris Herring’s work at theuklandscape.com and the following social media:
Cup and Saucer flower by Heather Angel
Photo used with permission from Heather Angel © Image is subject to copyright.
With 60 published books under her belt the world-renowned wildlife photographer, Heather Angel is a prolific writer, to say the least. Her latest, Pollination Power, is a visual insight as to how flowers attract their pollinators and the rewards they provide.
You can see more of Heather Angel’s work at heatherangelphotography.co.uk and the following social media:
Astrantia flower by Jacky Parker
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Jacky Parker is a UK-based floral art photographer living in Iver, Buckinghamshire, England. Jacky’s pieces have an inner glow and exude airs of grandeur, despite the tiny size of her floral subjects.
You can see more of Jacky Parker’s work at jackyparker.com and the following social media:
Poppy Flowers by Justin Minns
Photo used with permission from Justin Minns © Image is subject to copyright.
The East Anglian landscape photography of Justin Minns has been extensively published in everything from books and journals to magazines, textbooks, and even jigsaw puzzles. Justin’s driving passion is to capture special moments, whether that involves patiently waiting for the last rays of sunlight to scatter over the windswept dunes on a windy beach or encapsulating the bold, fragile beauty of the season’s first poppies as they stand proudly in the golden morning light.
You can see more of Justin Minns’ work at justinminns.co.uk and the following social media:
Poppy Flowers by Mark Hamblin
Photo used with permission from Mark Hamblin © Image is subject to copyright.
Mark Hamblin’s stunning wildlife and landscape photography is just one result of more than 12 years living in and exploring the Scottish Highlands. He also offers guided photo tours, rents his nature hides to fellow photographers, and writes extensively on his website offering tips, tricks and stories from the field.
You can see more of Mark Hamblin’s work at markhamblin.com and the following social media:
Poppy Field by Ollie Taylor
Photo used with permission from Ollie Taylor © Image is subject to copyright.
Ollie Taylor has earned himself the reputation of a stellar international landscape, nightscape, and astrophotography freelancer over the course of his career. Ollie’s work can be found on his website, stock and, and numerous local and national newspapers.
You can see more of Ollie Taylor’s work at www.ollietaylorphotography.com and the following social media:
Daisy Flower by Rosie Nixon
Photo used with permission from Rosie Nixon © Image is subject to copyright.
Rosie Nixon is a Perthshire nature lover, magazine columnist, published photo artist and impressionist photography mentor. She also works professionally in the horticulture industry.
You can see more of Rosie Nixon’s work at leavesnbloom.com and the following social media:
Cactus Flower by Sam Scott-Hunter
Photo used with permission from Sam Scott-Hunter © Image is subject to copyright.
One could say that UK-native photographer Sam Scott-Hunter has range. His work is dark, edgy and vibrant, with subjects spanning from the heaviest of metal bands (think Dimmu Borgir, Slipknot, and Black Sabbath to name just a few) to the most delicate and fragile of flowers.
You can see more of Sam Scott-Hunter’s work at samscotthunter.co.uk
Anemone flower by Sue Bishop
Photo used with permission from Sue Bishop © Image is subject to copyright.
All it takes is a single glance at one of Sue Bishop’s exquisite flower photos to experience her reverence for colour. Sue’s goal is to create an image that “goes beyond a mere record of its subject and becomes something more” by using colour, light, and shape.
You can see more of Sue Bishop’s work at suebishop.co.uk and the following social media:
Flower Photographers in Europe
From Dutch macro work to alpine wildflowers, these European photographers show how much atmosphere you can find in a single bloom.
Anemone flower by Andrea Gulickx
Photo used with permission from Andrea Gulickx © Image is subject to copyright.
Self-taught creative and nature photographer Andrea Gulickx has taken it upon herself to become the voice of nature, using macro photography and a trademark soft, dreamy focus. Her magical looking backgrounds become painted with light and colours in a style that hearkens to the famous painter Georgia O’Keefe, whom Andrea quotes on her website.
You can see more of Andrea Gulickx’s work at andreagulickx-photography.com and the following social media:
Poppy Flower by Carole Reboul
Photo used with permission from Carole Reboul © Image is subject to copyright.
French author and wildlife photographer, Carole Reboul, always carried a camera with her wherever she went, but it wasn’t until 2009 when Carole became serious about her hobby and turned it into a profession. She is currently under contract with the creative and photography agencies Nature Images and Pixee Lane.
You can see more of Carole Reboul’s work at carolereboul.fr and the following social media:
Narcissus flower by Cristiana Damiano
Photo used with permission from Cristiana Damiano © Image is subject to copyright.
Cristiana Damiano’s passion for nature can be attributed to her grandparents, who introduced her to numerous documentaries and nature appreciation films throughout her youth in Italy. Cristiana didn’t translate her love for the outdoors to photography until 2010, travelling far and wide to find beautiful, secluded treasures that oftentimes go unnoticed by the average person.
You can see more of Cristiana Damiano’s work at cristianadamiano.com and the following social media:
Adders-tongue by Gregory Pozhvanov
Photo used with permission from Gregory A. Pozhvanov © Image is subject to copyright.
“Erythronium in the wilds of space-time” (Эритроний в дебрях пространства-времени) Gregory explains a little bit about the above-pictured adder’s-tongue flower: Spring in the Mountains of Caucasus is a bright and very dynamic season. While the snow is thawing, snowdrop flowers appear above it, and other primrose species impatiently follow.
You can see more of Gregory Pozhvanov’s work at pozhvanov.com and the following social media:
Astrantia flower by Judith Borremans
Photo used with permission from Judith Borremans © Image is subject to copyright.
The nature and wildlife photography of award-winning Dutch photographer Judith Borremans is, in one word, incredible. The tiny critters look like stuffed animals waiting to be plucked from their frames and given a good squeeze.
You can see more of Judith Borremans’ work at judithborremans.com and the following social media:
Flax flower by Kristel Schneider
Photo used with permission from Kristel Schneider © Image is subject to copyright.
Kristel Schneider’s journey into nature and landscape photography began in 2007 when the Dutch native moved to Auvergne, France. Letting her passion for photography guide her, Kristel’s portfolio contains a variety of commissioned work, beautiful stock imagery, intricately detailed floral photos, and fine art prints.
You can see more of Kristel Schneider’s work at kristelschneiderphotography.com and the following social media:
Lady’s Slipper Orchid Flowers by Luka Esenko
Photo used with permission from Luka Esenko © Image is subject to copyright.
Globetrotting Luka Esenko’s award winning landscape and travel photography has brought him to more than 50 countries across the world, led to collaborations with world-renowned photographers, been featured in National Geographic and other photography and travel magazines, and has earned him the reputation as Slovenia’s top landscape photographer. One would think that Luka has done enough to last two lifetimes, but he is nowhere near stopping.
You can see more of Luka Esenko’s work at lukaesenko.com and the following social media:
Blue Poppy flower by Manuela Zine
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Manuela Zine is a flower photographer based in Innsbruck, Austria. Fascinated with the wide variety of colours, shapes, and patterns in nature, Manuela likes to use her macro lens to observe and capture exciting details of flowers and plants that are not usually seen.
You can see more of Manuela Zine’s work at manuela-zine.at and the following social media:
Alpine Bartsia flowers by Theo Bosboom
Photo used with permission from Theo Bosboom © Image is subject to copyright.
Theo Bosboom had a successful career as an IT lawyer for a well-known firm when he decided to pursue his dream as a full time photographer in 2013. While the decision may have been intimidating, Theo quickly forged a reputation as an award-winning creative nature photographer.
You can see more of Theo Bosboom’s work at theobosboom.nl and the following social media:
Flower Photographers in North America
These North American photographers range from fine-art studio florals to prairie wildflowers and garden photojournalism.
Echeveria flower by Alan Shapiro
Photo used with permission from Alan Shapiro © Image is subject to copyright.
When New York City, NY-based Alan Shapiro picked up the camera as a creative reprieve from his role as Chief Creative Officer at the largest advertising agency network in the world, he never thought it would turn into a daily, award-winning hobby. After just one look at his effortlessly stylised images and portfolio, the joy Alan gets from his daily “creative exercise regimen” is quite clear.
You can see more of Alan Shapiro’s work at alanshapirophotography.com and the following social media:
Daisy flowers by Amanda Kleinman
Photo used with permission from Amanda Kleinman © Image is subject to copyright.
Based out of Washington D.C., Amanda Kleinman isn’t the average floral photographer. Amanda holds degrees in special education and hearing and speech science, is an active member of D.C.’s thriving arts and music community, is an undergraduate academic advisor at George Washington University’s Corcoran School of Art and she also plays keyboards in electronic rock trio Heavy Breathing.
You can see more of Amanda Kleinman’s work at amandakleinman.com and the following social media:
Iris flowers by Crystal Brindle
Photo used with permission from Crystal Brindle © Image is subject to copyright.
As a photographer, Crystal seeks to capture grand, natural spectacles as a way of connecting the human spirit with protected landscapes: mainly national parks and other conservation lands. As a ranger for the National Park Service in the United States and the Department of Conservation in New Zealand, Crystal has travelled all around the world’s backcountry and parks.
You can see more of Crystal Brindle’s work at inpursuitofthewild.com and the following social media:
Rose Flower by Denise Ippolito
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New Jersey-based Denise Ippolito is a true artist who combined her passion for wildlife and love of nature with photography to inspire others. Her work as a full-time photographer has earned her numerous awards such as: “Birds” Category Winner in the prestigious Nature’s Best 2016 Windland Smith Rice International Awards Competition; the “Art in Nature” Category Winner of the 2015 Windland Smith Rice International Awards Competition; numerous awards from the Photographic Society of America; and selection as part of the People’s Choice Awards Top 50 Images in BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition.
You can see more of Denise Ippolito’s work at www.deniseippolito.com and the following social media:
Prairie Crocus flowers by Robert Berdan
Photo used with permission from Robert Berdan © Image is subject to copyright.
Dr. Berdan is a proud Canadian, published author and talented photographer who specialises in science, art, landscape and nature photography in and around Canada.
You can see more of Robert Berdan’s work at scienceandart.org and the following social media:
Lupins by Rolf Hicker
Photo used with permission from Rolf Hicker © Image is subject to copyright.
Full-time animal, nature, and travel stock photographer Rolf Hicker has amassed one of the most massive vaults of imagery and accompanying travel information online, carefully curated from his years of travels and insatiable curiosity. His goal with the website is to evolve it into a resource of professional quality stock photos and first-hand travel information that other professionals and enthusiasts can use.
You can see more of Rolf Hicker’s work at hickerphoto.com and the following social media:
Magnolia flower by Saxon Holt
Photo used with permission from Saxon Holt © Image is subject to copyright.
Award-winning garden photographer and photojournalist Saxon Holt has enjoyed a long and storied career, with no signs of slowing. Until 1985, Saxon worked professionally as a commercial photographer but was no stranger to the beauty of nature.
You can see more of Saxon’s work at saxonholt.com and the following social media:
More Flower Photographers to Follow
Our last group covers hummingbirds on glory bush, tiny carnivorous sundews and the tropical flowers of Mauritius.
Glory Bush Flower by Chris Jiménez
Photo used with permission from Chris Jiménez © Image is subject to copyright.
Chris is a self-taught wildlife photographer who specialises in bird and action shots. His work has gained high levels of recognition, especially when you consider that he has been a serious photographer for just seven years.
You can see more of Chris Jiménez’s work at chrisjimenez.net and the following social media:
Sundew flower by Jennie Stock
Photo used with permission from Jennie Stock © Image is subject to copyright.
Jennie Stock caught the photography bug soon after purchasing her first DSLR in the early 2010s on a trip to visit her native South Africa, but her reverence for and love of nature and birds began at a very young age. Jennie’s father was an amateur wildlife photographer and she would frequently accompany him on shoots and to photographic competitions in her youth.
You can see more of Jennie Stock’s work at jenniestock.com and the following social media:
Nigella flower by Kitty Clark
Photo used with permission from Kitty Clark © Image is subject to copyright.
Kitty Clark was a born tomboy who grew up with a camera seemingly strapped to her hand. Kitty specialises in nature, wildlife, and macro photography.
You can see more of Kitty Clark’s work at femalenaturephotography.com and the following social media:
Mexican vine flower by Stéphanie Manuel
Photo used with permission from Stéphanie Manuel © Image is subject to copyright.
About Stéphanie Manuel’s island home Mark Twain once wrote, “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven…” One glance at the plump red crabs, inquisitive fluffy birds, neon critters and native flora within Stéphanie’s portfolio is all it takes to feel like you’re right there, glistening on a rock above the turquoise waters or gently floating on the dew-dropped petals of a Mexican vine flower. Living vicariously through her sunny photos is easy to do, and Stéphanie’s work can be found on Wild Planet Photo Magazine, Extraordinary Vision Magazine, featured in the press for her Angry Bird-lookalike shot, and on her website where Stéphanie blogs about her travels and adventures.
You can see more of Stéphanie Manuel’s work at stephaniemanuelphotography.com and the following social media:
Photograph Your Own Flowers
You don’t need a field of tulips to practise. A single bunch of fresh flowers on a windowsill gives you soft natural light and plenty of subjects. Try photographing the same bloom over several days as it opens, or experiment with backlighting petals against a window.
Need something to photograph? Browse our flowers by price for fresh bouquets delivered across Australia, or read about flowers you can eat for more unusual subjects.
Thank You to Our Photographers
A heartfelt thank you to every photographer who let us feature them and their work. It was a privilege to learn about so many talented people, and we can’t wait to see what they create next.