The Magic Of Flower Photography
Amazing Flower Photography by Lucy Ketchum
Weddings, portraits, landscapes, etc., are amazing fields of photography, but let’s put them aside today and focus on some incredible flower photography. Lucy Ketchum, a long-time member of our LLF community, is based in Texas, and she regularly fills our group feed with her amazing flower photos. Undoubtedly, Lucy is definitely one of the best photographers out there when it comes to capturing the beauty and variety of flowers.
Interview with Lucy
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Mexico City but I’ve been living in Houston, TX for the last 15 years.
Tell us a little bit about your life at the moment!
It’s an interesting question right now for me because I’m about to send my youngest to college so I’m in this transition from being a full stay at home mom to empty nester, which I’m taking as a new opportunity to really develop my photography career wherever it takes me. Photography-wise, I started my business less than a year ago which includes selling my art prints and also mentoring sessions and I’ve been loving both a lot!
How did you end up being a photographer?
Growing up I always liked photography and at some point, I dreamed of studying photography but the only school was far away from me so I just put it aside and went on to study computer science instead. It wasn’t until I had my kids that my interest in photography returned so I bought my first camera and started taking some classes. It was when digital photography really took off that this passion started by intertwining my interest in technology and photography.
Flower Photography
How did your connection with flowers start?
It was from a young age that my mom introduced me to flowers, she had a silk flower business and I helped her put orders together, I had to learn all the names and types of flowers. We also took some flower arrangement classes together. I forgot about flowers for a while until a few years back that my love for them returned in full force.
When did you start photographing flowers?
When I started my photography journey more than 10 years ago, I took pictures of everything, and, of course, I always included flowers. It was when my kids hit the teenage years and said no more to pictures when I knew I needed a new subject to practice, so I started photographing flowers more seriously, and I haven’t stopped ever since!
What do these photos mean to you?
They are the culmination of all the years I spent learning and practicing photography. For a very long time, I just spent my time learning, learning, learning! It was from my dedication to flower photography that I started to develop my own style.
What’s your goal when taking photos of flowers?
I really don’t have a specific goal with them, I just go out and enjoy my time with them. My goal might be to fulfill my need to create something beautiful.
What are the challenges?
Doing flower photography needs a lot of patience. Taking pictures of flowers sounds easy but it takes a lot of dedication, practice, and time.
Do you take those images in your own garden?
Yes and no. I do take all my pictures in my garden but the flowers are not necessarily growing there. I mostly buy flowers at the store just to photograph them but I make them look like they are in a beautiful garden, I think that’s what people are most surprised about!
What gear are you using to capture those incredible images?
My gear is very basic, a Nikon d800 which is about 8 years old and missing the battery door, and a cheap Nikon 50mm 1.8D lens which cost me used about $50.
Tipps & Plans
You are also an educator and teaching how to take such incredible photos! Is there one free random piece of advice you can give to a new starting photographer?
Absolutely! Whenever you’re learning something new remember to put the “YOU” ingredient in there, that’s the only way to stand out among the millions of photographers doing the same thing. On more technical advice, learning to use light is always key. Also, take every piece of advice with a grain of salt, I once read that in order to be a good photographer you should stop photographing flowers LOL!
What plans do you have for the rest of the year?
I’m starting to dream about in-person workshops and also a photography retreat for next year, I get excited just thinking about it! I will also keep working on my mentoring sessions and of course creating more work!
[Lucy plans to launch her master classes in the fall of 2021 – check her website for more information; note from the author]
Flower Photography by Lucy Ketchum
So, we hope you like the flower photography work of Lucy Ketchum. If you want to see more amazing pictures, head over to our Artists Of The Year article with the best nature & landscape images of 2020.
