Spring is finally here in New Zealand, and with it, my magnolia tree has come to life. After what felt like an endless winter, it’s a real joy to see the flowers blooming again. There’s something magical about the change in seasons, and the burst of colour makes everything feel fresh and new.

This afternoon, after I got back from walking the dog, I noticed how the afternoon sun was casting a warm glow over the tree. The light was soft and golden, highlighting the pink and white petals in the most beautiful way. Of course, this meant one thing: I had to grab my camera.

Capturing the Moment

As a photographer, I’m always looking for those moments where the light is just right. And today was one of those days. The sun was at that perfect angle, making the flowers stand out against the green leaves and the blue sky. I used a large aperture, which is one of my favourite techniques when photographing flowers. It blurs out the background and really draws attention to the subject.

One of the challenges I faced was the background itself. In my garden, there are some white chairs that tend to sneak into the frame. To work around this, I tried to move some of the branches around, positioning them in a way that blocked the chairs without damaging the flowers. It took a bit of patience, but it was worth it in the end.

Why I Love Photographing Flowers

I’ve always had a soft spot for flower photography, especially in spring when everything is blooming. There’s something peaceful about it. The colours, the textures, the way the light interacts with the petals – it’s all so calming. And magnolias are one of my favourites. They have such a delicate beauty, and each flower seems to have its own character.

When photographing flowers, I try to keep things simple. I don’t like to overcomplicate my shots. A large aperture helps to isolate the subject, and I often experiment with angles to get the best composition. Sometimes, a slight shift in perspective can make all the difference.

Tips for Photographing Flowers in Spring

If you’re keen to get out and photograph some flowers yourself this spring, here are a few tips that might help:

Light is everything – Early morning or late afternoon light is usually the best. It’s softer and more flattering than the harsh midday sun.

Use a large aperture – This will give you that nice blurred background, making your subject stand out.

Pay attention to the background – As I mentioned earlier, backgrounds can make or break a photo. If there’s something distracting, like a chair or a fence, try to move your subject or adjust your angle to hide it.

Get close – Don’t be afraid to get up close to the flowers. Macro photography can reveal details you might miss otherwise, like the texture of the petals or the tiny pollen grains.

Experiment with angles – Sometimes the best shot isn’t the one you see straight away. Move around your subject, look for interesting angles, and see how the light changes as you do.

My Favourite Shots

I took a few different shots today, experimenting with the light and the composition. Some of my favourites are the close-ups, where you can really see the texture. I also love the ones where the background is completely blurred, letting the flower take centre stage.

A Time to Enjoy Nature

Spring is a wonderful time to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us. Whether it’s the flowers blooming in your garden, the birds singing in the trees, or just the feeling of warmth in the air, there’s something refreshing about this time of year. For me, photographing these moments helps me connect with nature in a deeper way. It’s a reminder to pause, to look closely, and to enjoy the little things.

As I sit here writing this, I can still see the magnolia tree from my window. The sun has dipped a little lower in the sky now, but the flowers are still glowing in the soft light. It’s moments like these that make me grateful for the beauty of the world around us.