You’ve grown the neighborhood's best-looking petunias. Now you want to capture the moment with a stylish picture. But all of your attempts don’t seem to do your garden justice. To help you get the most from your camera, The Wave Team asked its resident photographer Mark for some tips. You’ll be happy with the level of professionalism these simple steps add to your photography! First, tidy up Remove dead blooms or unsightly foliage, and clean dirt off of pots and baskets. Wet your concrete patio or walkway – it makes them appear clean, and adds a nice effect. It also cuts down on harsh, reflective light. Create eye candy Use the macro lens mode or the close-up setting on your camera to create stunning images of blooms. Select a flawless flower to avoid distraction and get a little creative by placing your subject off-center in the fame. Portrait style is fine, but don’t forget to shoot horizontal as well for those Facebook banner photos. Shoot in the direction of the sun The best time is early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is just over the horizon for soft warm light. Avoid the harsh overhead light of mid-day. Shooting in the direction of the sun creates visual depth. Consider investing in… Translucent and collapsible disc reflectors are an inexpensive source of diffused, studio-quality light when you’re shooting single flowers or small groupings of plants. A tripod will steady your camera when making longer exposures, and a bubble level is a small but effective device that helps level your camera. Be sure to share your masterpieces with The Wave Team! Upload pictures easily to our Gallery page here.