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Photography

Close-up of green sunflower seeds in a spiral pattern

Photography

The NGC Photography program offers educational articles, information, and opportunities for members to develop and improve their photography skills. Opportunities to exhibit and learn will be shared through various social media platforms including webinars with professional photographers. A Face Book Page, “NGC Photographers” will feature monthly themes and challenges and will allow for critiques of posted photos by committee and members. Helpful tips will be accessible as a resource for exhibiting and taking photographs.

Blogs will be geared toward the novice. Staging photography in the Botanical Arts Division of a Flower Show will be addressed as well. https://gardenclub.org/flower-show-school

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Photography Tips Part 1

Painting with Light

Photography is all about light. Without light there is no photograph. The question is how to use light correctly. Your picture will tell you what you did wrong, but not how to fix it. Here are some thoughts that may help you understand how light works in a photograph and how to fix your mistakes

Painting with Light
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More on Light & Exposure

Already feel accomplished as a photographer? Learn more about manipulating your camera for even better photos.

More on Light & Exposure
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Angle of View

Here are some tips to consider getting a more exciting, more creative look to your photographs.

Angle of View
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Close-up image of water drop reflecting a pink flower.

Photography Tips Part 2

Composing Your Photo

Your photograph should do two things: it must please you and it must communicate your story to the viewer. So how can we do this? Seize the moment. Find a subject that captures your soul, visually explore it, concentrating on the aspects that you find the most compelling.

Composing Your Photo
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Resizing Photos

A contest may require certain file size because the jury needs to evaluate images of a manageable size, winning printed photos will be
displayed on staging of specific dimensions and winning entries must have enough resolution to print well in publications.

Resizing Photos
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NGC Member Photography

NGC members submitted photos in four classes: Near Sighted, Far Sighted, Astigmatic and Color Blind, enjoy these winning entries and special images.

Seeing is Believing Photo Contest
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Photography Tips Part 3

Do I Need to Sign a Photo Release?

Photo release forms are used when people, pets and property are photographed. When you, as the photographer, want to submit images for publication on the NGC, Inc. website, you need to obtain a signed photo release form from the subject of the photo (or, in the case of a minor, the parent or guardian). A photo release does not give you permission to take the photo, but rather to allow it to be published on this website.

Click here to fill out the form for NGC.

Download Form
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Photography in the Flower Show

Since the release of the NGC Handbook for Flower Shows, 2017 Edition, photography has been placed in the Botanical Arts Division of a flower show. The Handbook provides rules and scales of points for judges. It is recommended that one or two professional photographers be on the judging panel. There is an NGC Top Exhibitor Award available which requires a minimum of one Section with three classes, with 4 entries per class. Winner must be the highest scoring blue ribbon winner with a score of 95 or above and meet all the requirements of the class and section.

There are many possibilities for staging depending on the available physical space. Ideally, photographs should be hung at approximate eye level for easier viewing. Walls, grids, Velcro panels, pegboard or any other flat vertical surface can work. Schedules may limit the number of entries due to physical limitations. Size, matting, mounting, landscape or portrait view, number of entries per person and any other restrictions must be listed in the schedule. Class themes may be chosen by committee and relate to the overall theme of the show if possible. All photos must be consistent with NGC directives.

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The Vision of Beauty Calendar

Vision of Beauty is an NGC publication of floral designs from across the globe.  Floral designs are submitted for consideration and the best are posted in a weekly calendar format. This desktop calendar is filled with inspiration that is sure to motivate even the most reluctant designers.  Photos of gardens are also welcomed. You can submit an entry for consideration.

Size photos to enter for the Vision of Beauty

Download Form
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