10 Tips for Taking Stunning Succulent Photo

10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Succulent Photography

10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Succulent Photography

Succulents are a favorite among plant lovers for their unique shapes, vibrant colors, and low-maintenance care. Capturing their beauty in photographs can be equally rewarding but challenging if you don’t know where to start. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to hone your skills, these tips will help you take stunning succulent photos effortlessly.  

 

1. Understand Your Subject

That sounds like a “duh”… but before you start snapping away, spend some time getting to know your succulents.   (Now that I’m reading it - it sounds a bit corny when stated that way.)   What I want you to do is …. Notice the textures, colors, and unique patterns of each succulent. Understanding these details will help you highlight their best features in your photos.

Take note of how light affects the plant at different times of the day. Succulents often look their best in soft, natural light.

 

2. Use Natural Light

Natural light is your best friend when photographing succulents. It enhances their colors and textures without the harshness of artificial lighting.    Shoot during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – when the light is soft and warm.  If shooting indoors, place your succulent near a window with plenty of indirect light.   If you just run across a succulent and want to take a picture - try to take advantage of the natural light, make sure if you shadow part of it that you shadow all of it, and above all - make sure there is not TOO much natural light on the succulent.

3. Choose the Right Background

A clean, uncluttered background helps keep the focus on your succulent. Neutral colors like white, black, or gray work well, but you can also experiment with backgrounds that complement the plant’s colors.   You can use a piece of fabric, a sheet of paper, or a simple wall as your backdrop as long as it doesn’t distract from the subject.   Personally, I really like to focus more on the succulent details, so I have a tendency to really zoom into the succulent rather than need a background.  (Which is a great transition to #4)

4. Get Up Close and Personal

Succulents have intricate details that are best captured up close. Use a macro lens or the macro setting on your camera or smartphone to get detailed shots of the plant’s textures and patterns.   Focus on a single point, like the center of a rosette or the tip of a leaf, to capture the succulent’s intricate beauty.   If you don’t have a macro lens, you can play with the focal lengths of whatever camera and lens you are using.

5. Experiment with Angles

Don’t be afraid to move around and shoot from different angles. Top-down shots are popular, but side views and close-ups can offer a fresh perspective and highlight different aspects of the plant.  Try shooting from the side to capture the succulent’s height and structure or from below to create a dramatic, towering effect.   Play around with the angles.   Sometimes when you start going thru the editing process, your least favorite angle turns out to be your very favorite.

6. Play with Depth of Field

A shallow depth of field, where the subject is sharp and the background is blurred, can make your succulent stand out. This technique draws attention to the plant and creates a pleasing, professional look.  Use a low f-stop number (like f/2.8 or f/4) on your camera. If using a smartphone, use portrait mode to achieve a similar effect.

7. Use a Reflector

A reflector helps bounce light back onto your subject, reducing shadows and highlighting details. You don’t need to buy one – a piece of white cardboard or aluminum foil works just as well.  Place the reflector opposite your light source to illuminate the succulent evenly. Experiment with different angles to see how the light changes.   That really only applies if you’re in the studio or practicing shots in a predetermined location.   Now if you’re like me, and just happen to run across a succulent - and you don’t always have a reflector in your back pocket for a spur of the moment shot - you will simply have to play with the light depending on where you stand.   Adjust your standing position based on where the sun or light is coming from on the succulent.   

8. Keep Your Succulents Clean

Dust and dirt can detract from your succulent’s beauty. Before photographing, gently clean the leaves with a soft brush or a damp cloth. This ensures that every detail is crisp and clear in your photos.    

IMPORTANT:  Be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate leaves.

TIP:  Regular cleaning also keeps your succulents healthy and looking their best.    

9. Incorporate Props and Containers

The pot or container your succulent is in can add to the overall aesthetic of your photo. Choose pots that complement or contrast with the plant’s colors. You can also include props like pebbles, decorative stones, or miniature figurines for added interest.  Ensure the props don’t overshadow the succulent. They should enhance the photo, not distract from the main subject.   When you look at the picture, you want the first thing you see to be the succulent - not the planter, stone, figurines etc.  

10. Edit Your Photos

Post-processing can take your succulent photography to the next level.  Adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation can make your photos pop. I prefer Photoshop, but there are many free and easy-to-use editing tools available, like Lightroom, Snapseed, or even the editing features in your smartphone’s photo app.   Try to focus on the above steps so you only use the editing tools sparingly - to add that extra wow factor.  Aim to enhance the natural beauty of your succulent, not alter it entirely. 

Tips to improves you overall Photography skills:

1.  Be patient - Great photography takes time. Don’t rush your shots. Take your time to adjust lighting, angles, and settings to get the perfect shot.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice - Like any skill, practice makes perfect. The more you photograph your succulents (or any subject), the better you’ll understand how to capture their unique beauty.

3. Find your people - Joining online photography communities can provide inspiration and feedback. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or dedicated plant photography forums can offer valuable insights and support.

4. Learn from Others - Study photos taken by other photographers. Analyze what you like about their shots and try to incorporate similar techniques into your work.

5.  Experiment and Make it Your OWN! - Don’t be afraid to try new things. Experiment with different lighting setups, angles, and compositions. Photography is as much about creativity as it is about technical skill.

Photography is a rewarding hobby that allows you to capture the unique beauty in nature - and in this case - of these fascinating succulent plants. By following these ten easy tips, you’ll be well on your way to taking stunning photos that showcase the intricate details and vibrant colors of your succulents. Remember to be patient, practice regularly, and most importantly, HAVE FUN with it.

Happy snapping!   ~Lisa

square hen chicks succulent bluesucculent art photography detailed abstract flower design greens on acrylic and metal by Lisa Blount Photo of Hen and Chicks Succulent in Black and White art

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