A poppy field in full bloom is a wonderful sight. A field of closely packed flowers creates a sea of red, often stretching as far as the eye can see. Around the end of May and into early June, poppy fields appear almost unannounced, much to the delight of seasoned poppy hunters. The common hotspots are generally found in Wiltshire, Norfolk and Worcestershire, but a poppy field can be found almost anywhere in the country.
The aim of this blog is to provide some tips on photographing a poppy field. Whether you use a smartphone or a dedicated camera, a few simple steps will help ensure you return home with some memorable images that will amaze family and friends and perhaps gain you a few extra likes on social media.
As a case study, I am going to use some recent pictures from a colourful poppy field that I visited near Bewdley. This was in a similar area to a popular blog that I posted a few years ago.
When photographing poppy fields, there is always an opportunity to practise on other wildflowers that appear earlier in the year. At the end of January there are snowdrops, while from late April into May there are bluebells and wild garlic. The latter flowers also offer advantages for those who enjoy foraging.
My advice is to keep an eye on social media posts that reveal where wildflower fields are appearing. Facebook searches for poppy fields will often reveal recent sightings. People rarely contain their enthusiasm when posting about these displays. Unless you know the person posting, however, I would refrain from asking for the exact location of the field. Part of the fun is carrying out your own research and discovering where the flowers are growing.
The ideal time to photograph a poppy field is either at sunrise or sunset. The soft light of the golden hour brings out the vibrant colours of the flowers. Planning your photographs is also important. You may read various forms of advice, but personally I like to create a visual story consisting of five to ten images.
The set benefits from an overall photograph of the field, allowing the viewer to appreciate the scene as you first saw it. Often, this is the view that visitors remember most from their visit. Next, I take a series of medium-range images of the field. I think in thirds when composing these photographs and look for contrast. The lower third or two-thirds of the frame will often contain the poppies, while the upper portion will feature the sky or a line of trees. Contrast may come from colours or from different species of flowers growing together. A field will usually contain many other wildflowers and plants.
While taking these medium-range photographs, I begin looking for close-up images of individual flowers or petals. If you find other flowers or crops growing among the poppies, try incorporating them into the composition. They contribute to the story, showing why the poppies are there and what else is growing around them.
Finally, I start looking for something different that may help my pictures stand out. This is not straightforward and is not an easy task to do well. One technique is to throw the background out of focus using a wide aperture so that the viewer’s gaze is drawn to the flowers that remain sharp. This can be tricky to achieve.
When you move in close to the poppies, you will notice many chaotic patterns. Your skill as a photographer is to make sense of the sea of red before you. Look for patterns and observe how the flowers relate to one another. Are two poppies facing each other? Do they look as though they are talking? Is one poppy standing alone? You may find one that is taller than the others and naturally draws attention. Once you begin thinking in this way, you start to see photographs emerging from the apparent chaos. Isolate these subjects with a tight composition and a carefully chosen field of view.
Although I am always excited to discover a poppy field, I do not move around too much. Once I have selected a position, I tend to stay with it. After capturing a set of photographs, I may move to one or perhaps two other locations. After many years of photographing wildflowers, I do not walk into the flower fields. Doing so rarely leads to a better view and often results only in trampling the work of nature. Be respectful and consider the landowner by not trespassing. Contain your enthusiasm and work around any limitations.
Which camera should you use? This is one of the most common questions photographers are asked. My answer is how you compose your photograph matters more than the camera you use. However, there are a few useful considerations. A telephoto lens compresses the scene and intensifies the impact of the colours, while a wide-angle lens shows the landscape surrounding the field.
I also recommend carrying a tripod, regardless of which camera you use. A tripod allows you to experiment with slower shutter speeds, making it possible to create intentional camera movement (ICM) images and other creative effects.
This blog is intended as a starting point for photographing wildflower fields. While I have focused on poppy fields, the same techniques can be applied to many other wildflower displays. If you would like access to a colourful and reliable location in which to practise your photography, I strongly recommend visiting the annual Confetti Fields in Wick, near Pershore.
Here is another link to follow for ideas on photographing a poppy field.
If you work on your composition and follow the tips outlined in this blog, then one day you may be successful with your poppy field photographs.
