Marina Walker is a notable British lensman , specialize in botanic subjects primarily for the garden and floristry industries .
She carry her expertness through one - on - one flower photography workshops , usable both in - person and online , and partake her experience and noesis at various result .
Marina also sells prints and a across-the-board compass of photographic salutation card and her work was sport in a solo exhibition at Myddelton House Gardens in September 2021 .
Can you share more about your early interest in gardening and how it led you to your current career?
“ Growing up , my parents instill a love for the out-of-doors in me , but it was my mother ’s prematurely pass when I was 23 that left me with the task of tend our medium - sized garden she had so lovingly grown , ” shares Marina .
“ Despite circumscribed plant cognition and having only watched a handful of Gardeners ’ World episode over the years , I embraced the garden as my own , learning by hands - on experience .
“ I note the nuances of seasonal blooming , what conditions each works liked , and even learnt their Romance name . I resolve to document my journey by photographing the flowers and sharing them on Instagram , which was still go forth as a platform at the metre .
“ As my interview and photographic acquisition grew , I take on the suggestion to sell prints of my work , leading to an expansion into greeting cards , client commissions and instruction . It was very much an unexpected career that I fall into , but one I absolutely adore . ”
Can you tell us more about your debut solo exhibition at Myddelton House Gardens in September 2021? What was the inspiration behind it?
“ Myddelton House Gardens was the sodding location for my flower picture taking expo , a place I visit frequently throughout the seasons , ” she explains .
“ The inspiration was my plant portrayal which I lean to differentiate in , capture using a macro lense with a encompassing aperture for a sharp subject and a gentle , out - of - centering background .
“ I aimed to showcase a diverse regalia of flush , allowing looker to find their personal favourites among my displayed piece of music .
“ As a debut exhibition , my primary goal was to introduce my style to those unfamiliar with my work and allow those who had followed my journey the opportunity to see my work printed and not through a phone screen ! ”
How do you approach teaching your 1-1 flower photography workshops?
“ I begin by transport a questionnaire to prospective clients to interpret their specific learning goals and areas for betterment .
“ This data serve as the foundation for crafting a customised lesson plan , tailored to the number of sessions they leger and whether they need to learn from me in - mortal or online .
“ For one - off sessions , I cover report rudiments , handling different lighting conditions , and utilising their existing lenses for dissimilar creative effects . In other cases , clients seek guidance through Zoom on editing or the business aspects of mark or salutation cards .
“ I approach each person unambiguously to address their trenchant want , as a one - size - tantrum - all teaching method does n’t always lend oneself . My basal focus is on encouragement and building confidence , demonstrating that , with some adaption , anyone can produce great flowered photographs . ”
What’s the most common challenge your students face when photographing flowers, and how do you address it?
“ problem with focusing come up quite frequently , ” shares Marina .
“ This can be due to incorrect options with shutter speed , ISO or aperture , or perhaps down to weather condition and light conditions , or not using a tripod where it might be beneficial to .
“ I ply through with my students a checklist of affair to mark about their surroundings , and how to then alter their television camera setting or strong-arm placement accordingly .
“ Once they grasp the technical understanding why it is happening , they are apace able to enforce corrections and see resultant . ”
How do you approach a new commission, especially when working with clients who might have a specific vision or theme in mind?
“ Attentively listening to the client and their desired composition is paramount , ” she explains .
“ Clients often indicate from the scratch line whether they seek my creative stimulation or have a well - defined vision . Both scenarios are evenly valid , so maintaining a soft balance and ensuring continuous client involvement through regular check - Hoosier State is essential .
“ I particularly love collaborative study with other creatives ; it ’s a refreshing change to brainstorm idea when I ’m so used to figure out independently . ”
How do you think photographers can play a role in promoting environmental awareness and conservation?
“ Photographing a variety of plant life aliveness – particularly that which benefits pollinator – will assist to school the world about the importance of biodiversity in their own gardens .
“ Photographers can also document changes in industrial plant lifetime and landscapes , particularly those touch by climate change or human activity . These figure of speech can serve as a visual criminal record of environmental shifts and the need for preservation exertion .
“ Collaborating with particular environmental organisations to farm awareness about decisive issues will similarly be important and I conceive artistic construction should n’t be underplayed either in its shock – photographs focusing on the mantrap of plants can invoke emotional response in viewer and be a powerful motivator for individuals to protect the earth around us . ”
How can gardeners best capture their plants and gardens through photography?
“ I think in capturing gardens in a way that reflects their unique character and the original intention of the gardener is best , ” Marina shares .
“ In structured garden with defined features like hedges and straight bed , lensman can accentuate lead lines or research abstract perspectives . For more broadly planted gardens , the focus may shift to the grain , colours or patterns created by flora arrangement .
“ Across all garden photography , early morning light is ideal , as it frame a golden glow with moisture still hanging in the air , creating a magical atmosphere . Alternatively , try out with backlight techniques during sunset can concede equally charm solution . ”
What advice would you give to budding photographers looking to specialise in botanical or flower photography?
“ To truly capture the perfume of a plant , it ’s important to ‘ lick the subject ’ . alternatively of settling for a single scene , invest time in canvas the blossom or industrial plant , discovering its most flattering angle .
“ I often draw a parallel between flower and portrait picture taking , where each subject has its own ‘ safe side ’ . Some flowers look best when photographed front - on , while others benefit from a more angled approach .
“ By taking numerous shots and experimenting , you ’ll gradually develop an intuitive understanding of how to best capture various flower type . ”
Do you have any upcoming projects that you’d like to share?
“ I ’m presently acquire an online flower photography form that will bid a go - at - your - own - gait learning experience , ” she discloses .
“ The course will cover a blending of write and TV content , allowing participants to mesh at their convenience without the constraints of rigorous schedules .
“ My destination is to project a trend for person with a foundational cognition of their cameras but who are eager to advance their skills in blossom photography in peculiar . ”
